Angove McLaren Vale Shiraz 2021 (Australia)

Description

Cherry, Chocolate, Oak

Rich red with magenta hues. The aromatics are dominated by black cherry, dark chocolate and spice, while intense chocolate and liquorice characters abound on the palate. Lovely soft tannins lead to a silky, smooth finish.

Grapes were sourced from a careful selection of low interventionist vineyards across the stunning McLaren Vale region, from Blewitt Springs and Seaview in the North through to Willunga and Sellicks Hill in the South. The range of sites vary greatly in soil, aspect, and vine age, and when combine create a complex wine that reflects the true, rich character of McLaren Vale shiraz.

McLaren Vale fared well in a challenging vintage, due to the moderating influence of the Gulf St Vincent, reliable spring rainfall and and excellent water management; enabling the vines to grow unimpeded during hot spells. Yield was slightly impacted by a hailstorm during flowering in November, and a day in January where temperatures soared to 46.6°C, burning some leaves and fruit. Harvest was fast and furious and while quality was exceptional, yields were down by up to 25%.

Harvested in the early morning and crushed into 70 year old open concrete vats. Fermentation initiated by indigenous yeast. Ferment management included careful pump overs, hand plunging and a short stint of post fermentation maceration. Basket pressed and allowed to mature in new and aged French oak puncheons and hogsheads for 12 – 14 months before final barrel selection and blending. Bottled without fining.