Tasting Notes for Paxton Queen of the Hive 2019 from the Winery

The Queen of the Hive produces the bees that have a vital role in maintaining natural balance & eco-health in our world.  Bees keep plants & crops alive through pollination & without bees, humans would struggle to survive.  Bees only survive & thrive in chemical free environments, hence why our certified biodynamic, estate vineyards in McLaren Vale are home to so many bee hives & their powerful, tireless Queens.  To all the Queens we salute you!  Biodynamics is the most advanced form of organic farming that uses natural preparations to bring the soil & vine into balance.  This is a modern Vale red that blends Shiraz, Tempranillo & Grenache to give harmonious, medium bodied, soft and juicy mouth feel with hints of cinnamon, plum & cherries finished with silky elegant tannins.

Vintage 2019: 2019 vintage saw below average rainfall over spring and virtually no rain during summer leading to a heavy reliance on irrigation. This together with a severe hail storm in November, the hottest day in South Australia since 2009 and regular maximum temperatures over 36 degrees celsius in February made for some challenges. However, our close proximity to the St Vincent Gulf did help moderate some extreme weather events. All in all we saw smaller tonnages with more intense flavour in the fruit. Another consistent year for Pinot Gris and Grenache, with early signs the Shiraz will carry great density of fruit flavours moving forward.

Variety: Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro & Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Organic | Biodynamic

Region: McLaren Vale

Vineyard: Multiple vineyards

Colour: Crimson red

Aroma: Strawberries in the height of summer, luscious blood plums, orange peel and licorice root

Palate: Delightfully soft and mellow palate that shows layers of strawberries and poached rhubarb with really gentle silky tannins. Easy drinking fresh style that suits the modern wine lover.

Drink with: Barbeque

Cellaring: Drink now or cellar up to 5 years 

Vinification: Selected batches of Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and just a sprinkling of Cabernet were fermented and aged separately in small French oak barrels. They were blended to achieve a fruit-filled wine, that is medium bodied with gentle extraction of tannins giving a velvety silky mouthfeel

Alcohol: 14.0%

Winemaker: Ashleigh Seymour and Kate Goodman

(SKU: PX_QOH_19)