Brave Souls 'The Whaler' Shiraz 2022

Brave Souls is the creation of young winemaker Julia Weirich, in collaboration with Simon Cowham and Corey Ryan of Sons of Eden. The name is inspired by the story of the famous Admella shipwreck of 1859 and spotlights the remarkable accounts of those characters who risked their lives to help the survivors. Iconic Australian artist Bruce Goold generously agreed to visualise the tales of these Brave Souls for the project’s labels.

Sourced from two different regions, this wine is a blend of Barossa Valley 55% and Eden Valley 45%. The Barossa Valley Shiraz vineyards are a collection of three sites from the three sub-regions of Seppeltsfield, Moppa and the Western Ridge. Grapes from the Eden Valley vineyards are sourced from two sites in Moculta and Angaston. Better than average 2016 winter and spring combined with below average temperatures in December – February resulted in a later harvest than had been seen for many years! We started harvest 3 to 4 weeks later than the recent average. Despite this late start, a long, fine period across April and most of May ensured the varieties ripened well and were harvested in optimum conditions.

Hand Picked and destemmed with 10% whole bunch inclusion into the Eden Valley parcels. Each vineyard was processed and fermented separately. After a cold soak period of 5 days the fermenters were allowed to naturally warm up to start fermentation. Hand plunged daily for 20 days and pressed off at dryness to a range of seasoned oak barrels. The vineyards were barrel matured separately for 12 months before being blended, naturally clarified and bottled.

Deep crimson in colour, with brooding red and blue fruits, pepper and savoury spice aromas. A rounded mid palate, fleshy and refined with good integration and intensity of flavour. The wine has finesse with focus and refinement, approachable upon release but will mature well for the medium 5-7 years.