Sandalford Estate Reserve Margaret River Shiraz 2018 (Australia)

Description

• Rich dark berries
• Rhubarb
• Star anise
• French oak

A classically dark ruby red colour in the glass, with up front notes of rich dark berries and savoury spices. The wine opens up to show cherry, blueberries and mulberries with spicy notes of star anise and red pepper. The palate is abundant with berry flavours, rhubarb and mocha, seamlessly integrated French oak and velvety soft tannins. This elegantly styled Shiraz will continue to open up and evolve in the glass. Enjoy now or cellar for 2-4 years from vintage date.

The 2018 vintage was a return to the fantastic conditions that Margaret River is known for. With a wet start to the season in winter and early spring providing a good base of ground water for the vines. November was very dry, perfectly timed with the vines going through flowering and fruit set. After rainfall in both December and mid-January, the season changed and saw an extended dry and warm period through to the end of picking in mid-April. The maximum temperatures were consistent with long term average and the sea breeze providing the essential cool nights that Margaret River is known for. All fruit this season is of exceptional quality and showing great varietal characters.

The grapes were machine harvested during the cool of night in mid-March. After crushing the must was inoculated with selected strains of yeast. The ferments were on skins for around 10 days with pump overs used twice daily during this period to ensure optimum extraction of colour, flavour and tannins. Based on taste, the wine was then drained and pressed. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 3 months on 25% new French oak, before blending and bottling.

This wine is vegan and vegetarian friendly.