Ngeringa Syrah 2012

 

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  • Vegan Suitable
  • Certified Biodynamic
  • Winery
  • Region
    Adelaide Hills, SA
  • Grapes
    Shiraz

Michelle says: "This is an elegant and complex biodynamic Shiraz that will age well for 15 years. Rated an outstanding 95 points by James Halliday."

Deep and alluring with intense aromas of violets, blueberries, star anise and char-grilled meats. The spicy warmth carries on to the palate with cloves and dark chocolate beneath a dark cherry and blueberry pie exterior. Rounded, approachable tannins and a long, lingering finish underscore the full-bodied temptations of this elegant wine.

Words From The Winemaker

"Here is a vintage we dream of! Classic Ngeringa Syrah with a density even greater than 2005 and 2010.”

Vineyard

Planted on a westerly facing slope on the immediate foothills of the Mt Barker Summit at 420m altitude, the soil of the Illuma vineyard sparkles with micaceous schist amidst a shallow sandy loam over clay. A challenging viticultural site with the potential for very distinctive wines.

Winemaking

Very low production (1632 bottles). 20% whole-bunch pressed and 18 months ‘élevage’ in French Oak barriques and puncheons with one racking after the first year. Approximately 40% new French oak used. Wild fermentation, no enzymes, oxidative handling pre-fermentation, spontaneous malolactic fermentation, gentle extraction, warmer fermentation, minimal temperature control. No fining. Estate bottled. Small amounts of Sulphites added before bottling.

Vintage

It was pre-ordained that the 2012 growing season would be described in contrast to the more difficult year that preceded it. This vintage started with a cold winter and below average rains, but with our dams sufficiently filled, we had little concern. A cool, mostly dry spring returned our three winter-soaked vineyards to drier soils, a useful reminder that the prospect of drought is never distant in our Australian terroir. Budburst began somewhat early so we were glad to have begun our pruning (most unusually) immediately post-vintage. Temperatures warmed in mid November, the start of a long, gentle summer. Amidst the steady warmth, occasional showers kept grapes in good condition as our vineyards sped along to an early harvest. Consequently, vintage 2012 was a year of consistently high quality across all varieties, though low in quantity. The whites showed fantastic acidity, the reds good depth and concentration. What lacked in quantity from the vineyard appears certain to be amply compensated for by quality in the winery.

Wine Companion tasting note.

Rating: 95
Drink By:2027
Price: $55.00
Date Tasted: 21 Jul 2015
Alcohol: 13.5%

James Halliday - Published on 03 Feb 2016

The quality of the vintage, the site, ultra-close planting and the grapes all combine to provide a wine with energy, intensity and elegance, an uncommon trio. Red fruits, led by cherry, spice, pepper and licorice are all in play; quality oak and fine-grained tannins complete the picture.

(SKU: 1420)

Wine Type Red
Vintage 2012
Grapes Shiraz
Region Adelaide Hills, SA
Volume 750mL
Packaging Glass Bottle
Closure Screwcap
Alcohol % 13.5
Wild Yeast Fermentation Yes
Vegan Suitable Yes
Certified Biodynamic Yes

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