Chapel Hill The Vicar McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016 (Australia)

Description

• Complex oak
• Rosemary & aniseed
• Savoury texture
• Grainy tannins

The Vicar Shiraz 2016 displays charismatic layers of aniseed, rosemary and cured meats, which are seamlessly interwoven into the poised savoury texture. The harmonious balance of the cascading layers of varietal flavour, palate weight, grainy tannin and acidity will ensure that the wine will develop further complexity over the next 15 to 20 years.

The 2015/16 growing season had below average rainfall, with late winter and spring being particularly dry. Mean average temperatures were consistently above average from Oct 15 to Feb 16. A timely rainfall event in early Feb resulted refreshed the vines and slowed sugar accumulation as they entered the final stages of ripening resulting in vibrant varietal fruit flavours.

The various vineyard parcels were harvested and fermented separately in small batch open fermenters. Gentle plunging was utilised for cap management and all of the ferments were left on skins for a minimum of 11 days. Following gentle basket pressing, the free run and pressing fractions were combined. During the subsequent 22 month oak maturation period, the barrels were periodically racked and returned to ensure the integration of the tannins back into the structure of the wine. To preserve purity and character the wine is made with minimal additions and is allowed to clarify naturally without the use of fining or filtration.