Angove Warboys Vineyard Shiraz Grenache 2017

VINEYARD & VINTAGE

This single vineyard organic wine is sourced from our Warboys Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Average Winter rainfall and a dry Spring checked initial vine growth and reduced disease pressure in the vineyard. Budburst and flowering occurred in line with the long term average in mid-September. Thankfully, stable dry conditions occurred at flowering resulting in excellent fruit set. The dry, stable conditions continued throughout Summer with rainfall being up to 80% lower than averages. January experienced 14 consecutive days over 30ºC but thankfully nothing over 40°C. With access to both recycled and artesian water and were able to develop the vines carefully with controlled irrigation. February was generally cool and mild and grapes were harvested in pristine condition. Wines from this vintage are lively, aromatic and vibrant with delicious dark berry flavours and spice, finishing with resounding length and delicacy.

WINEMAKING

Shiraz grapes grown on 80+ year old vines were hand-picked and sorted prior to crushing into small ½ tonne fermenters, which were then placed in a cool room and chilled to between 5 and 10°C to cold soak for a week. The 1960’s planted Grenache was then hand harvested and crushed on top and co-fermented with a portion of this Shiraz. This, combined with a couple of fermenters that had whole bunches of Grenache layered on the bottom onto which were crushed more berries, has added complexity to the final wine. Basket-pressed at the end of fermentation, with the press wine and free run being transferred to older French oak hogsheads and 1 year old French puncheons. Assemblage was conducted pre-bottling in May 2019.

TASTING NOTE

Deep red with intense magenta hues. Highly aromatic spice, star anise and plum from the Shiraz combine with the penetrating forest berries of the Grenache. Delicious dark berry and plum spice, white pepper and a real taste of the Warboys Vineyard fills the mouth. This wine has soft smooth tannins with great length and depth of flavour. This will age well over the next 5 years, but last much longer with careful cellaring.

VARIETAL

Shiraz - 65% Grenache - 35%

REGION

McLaren Vale

BARREL AGEING

14 months in French oak Hogsheads & Puncheons

TECHNICAL

Alcohol - 14.2%

pH - 3.58

Residual Sugar - <1g/L

Total Acidity - 5.8g/L

(SKU: AN_WBSG_17)