Tasting Notes for Paxton NOW Preservative Free Shiraz 2021 from the Winery

NOW by PAXTON stands for NATURAL ORGANIC WINE. The consumer market demand has been growing steadily for No Added Preservative and Natural wines. As leaders in organic production, it was obvious that Paxton needed a product for this category. In addition to Natural & Organic, we wanted to make a young, drink NOW style of Shiraz that was different from our existing Shiraz styles.

Aroma: A surprisingly complex flavour explosion of earthy ironstone and cold-smoked chacuterie layered on undertones of plump raspberries. As the wine has more time in the glass blueberries and bubblegum come to the surface balanced by subtle flints of fresh marjoram.

Palate: Medium bodied, juicy, easy, drink “NOW’ style of wine. Reminiscent of swimming in natural hot springs on a fresh autumn morning, the comforting feel of warm water washing over your skin. The ferrous character comes through on the palate leading into slightly gravelly tannins offset by a delicate acidity lengthening the palate to a smooth finish.

Drink with: BBQ lamb or steak

Cellaring: Drink “NOW”

Vintage 2021: 2021 was one of those dream vintages that don’t come along every year; cool, refreshing nights and dreamy, sun-kissed days without any extended stretches of intense heat. After a warmer than usual November there were only four days above 40 degrees. It was mainly dry throughout the ripening season with the odd spattering of just enough rain to keep the grapes beautifully plump, juicy and full of bright fruit flavours and time to dry out in between so disease pressure was low. The gentle undulation between these varying temperatures and perfectly healthy canopies allowed us to really ponder picking times, spending plenty of time out in the vineyard tasting grapes getting the timing of picking just right. The generous harvest has rewarded us with delightfully delicate fruit and varietal characters, with each variety singing its own tune. Natural acids are in perfect balance and the smooth, sensuous tannins completed by an epic energetic vibration that we can’t wait to share with you.

Vinification: The grapes were picked at optimum sugar and flavour equilibrium. They were tipped into open top fermenters and gently hand plunged for 14 days, extracting the vibrant characteristics of the vineyard. When primary fermentation was complete, we pressed to tank for secondary fermentation before bottling. No sulphur dioxide or preservatives were added in the making of this wine, however, sulphur dioxide is a natural by product of the fermentation process.

Alcohol: 14.0%

Variety: Shiraz 100% Organic | Biodynamic | No Added Preservatives

Region: McLaren Vale

Colour: Vibrant purple with pink hues

Winemaker: Ashleigh Seymour

(SKU: PX_NOW_21)