Sourced predominantly from the Conmara vineyard in Whorouly South and the Souter vineyard in Happy Valley. Bob and Helen McNamara of Con Mara vineyard are specialist Shiraz growers, with a range of clones and trellising types available, they have been growing top quality Shiraz for over 20 years and are currently adding to the clonal diversity of their vineyard. Being the western edge of the region, this fruit provides density, structure, and juicy plum and blueberry characters. The Souter vineyard is at the opposite end of the valley in one of the cooler sites producing an elegant style of wine with pepper, spice and dark fruit characters. The two vineyards marry together beautifully.
Shiraz is the most widely planted grape variety in Australia, with flavour profiles dependant on the region, climate and winemaking techniques. This wine is a classic cool climate style, displaying dark fruits and pepper balanced by an intense and structured palate.
Production Notes
This wine is a combination of 2 separate parcels, with 85% of the fruit coming from Con Mara Vineyard and 15% coming from Souters. The individual handpicked parcels of fruit were predominantly destemmed but not crushed with a small portion left in whole bunches. Fruit was cold soaked for a period of up to a week prior to natural fermentation in open vessels. The cap was gently plunged twice per day during ferment and pressed a few days after the completion of primary ferment. Parcels were then filled to barrel and matured for 15 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak - 18% new and 20% 1 year old. The final blend contains 20% whole bunch. Blended, filtered and bottled in July 2023.
Tasting Notes
Deep garnet in colour, with aromas of pepper and aniseed. Fruit driven, with red fruits forefront laced with elements of spicy and charred oak. The palate is elegant, with fine tannins and rich spice owed to the whole bunch component of the wine.
Optimal Drinking Window 2024 - 2033
Technical Details
Vineyards: Con Mara Vineyard, Whorouly South
Souter Vineyard, Happy Valley
Region: Alpine Valleys
Alcohol: 14%
Winemaker: Glenn James and Jo Marsh
Gold medal winner at the 2023 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
Reviews
"A big, lovable kind of shiraz that carries plenty of ripe, sweet fruit, spice and oak. Each component is amplified and, for many of us, that is indeed what makes the grape beloved. Black cherry, dark plum, chocolate, earth and a world of deep spice and woodsmoke oak. Dense and concentrated with ripe tannins aplenty running long." Awarded 92 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 14 January 2024
