David Paxton believes that the people who apply the art and science of viticulture are just as important as the winemaker in the making of good wines. That’s why for three decades the Paxtons have nurtured their prized vineyards, some of which were first planted in the 1890s. Our aim is to showcase the intensity of fruit grown biodynamically.

The 9th release of Paxton AAA sees the continuation of our successful (Rhone-style) blend of Shiraz & Grenache. Consistently highly acclaimed by others, this medium bodied wine can be enjoyed with friends on any occasion.

James Halliday 92 points www.winecompanion.com.au
"We're not told how much grenache there is, but it barely matters; this is pure McLaren Vale, with a generous slab of dark chocolate and ripe, savoury/earthy tannins to conclude, shiraz first and foremost. Excellent value."

Gary Walsh 93 points www.winefront.com.au
"Don’t see these wines anymore, so thank heavens I leave the house every now and then to taste stuff. Raspberry, blackberry, chocolate, Jersey Caramel, some cut flower stems and a little bit of reductive stink, though a nice stink it is. Medium bodied, grainy tannin, fresh, shapely, fruit richness but not confected. Even some ‘mineral feel’ here, along with ample length. Spot on. What a bargain"
Rated : 93 Points
Tasted : Jul-14
Alcohol : 14%
Price : $19
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2014 - 2020

Ray Jordan - 91/100 - The West Australian
Paxton has been biodynamic for some years now and the strict discipline no doubt contributes to the quality of the fruit, especially for soft and approachable Rhonestyle wines such as this. It’s a ripe and juicy shiraz grenache blend off McLaren Vale vineyards. Beautiful perfumed fragrances of blueberry and floral rose petal. The palate is rustic and rich with a delicious supple fruit sweetness balanced by dusty tannins and a fine-grained subtle oak. There’s a real sense of vineyard here.

WINERY TASTING NOTES

VARIETY: 62% Shiraz, 38% Grenache

COLOUR: Bright, vibrant cherries with purple hues

ALCOHOL: 14%

BOUQUET: Fragrant red berry, black cherry and spice leap out of the glass, followed by subtle savoury notes and vanillin oak

PALATE: Bright, juicy, berry fruit, spice and subtle aniseed flavours. Medium bodied with great depth of fruit and even, firm tannins leading to a long finish, displaying a touch of supporting oak.

CELLARING: Enjoy young upon release, or cellaring for 8-10 years from vintage will be justly rewarded

VINTAGE: Small crops and moderate temperatures resulted in an early start and short harvest period. Cool nights and balanced vine canopies helped maintain natural acidity with exceptional flavour development.

VINIFICATION: Harvested at the optimum ripeness for this wine style, the Shiraz fruit was blended from five premium parcels, the Grenache from three. All were fermented separately, using both open and closed fermenters with careful monitoring. Once pressed, the wine was matured in approx. 50% American and 50% French oak barriques (225L) (approximately 15% new, 85% 1, 2 year and older oak barrels) for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.