Tasting Notes for Paxton Queen of the Hive Shiraz Mataro 2021 from the Winery

Punchy raspberry, thyme flowers and Davidson plum. Hints of pepper and sanguine propel this wine out of the glass like a supernova’s epic end.

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.

Vintage

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  

Whole-bunch. carbonic maceration Shiraz. Mataro from the ancient rocks fermented in small batches in open vats, lovingly plunged daily. Aged separately in used 500lt French-oak puncheons for 6 months before blending and further ageing in tank and older puncheons before bottling.

Variety: Shiraz and Mataro
Region: McLaren Vale
Vineyard: Shiraz — Jones Block North West: Mataro – Landcross Farm
Colour: Ribena jelly
Aroma: Punchy raspberry, thyme flowers and Davidson plum. Hints of pepper and sanguine propel this wine out of the glass like a supernova’s epic end
Palate: Brambly, juicy but lean, we are transported to the Cosmos, stargazing from the middle of an outback salt lake. The colour purple feels dominant in our psycadelic dreams but we are grounded by touches of ironstone reminding us of ancient rocks underneath our feet. We are bequeathed a sprinkling of pine needles and a hamper of black figs on the final moments of this journey.
Cellaring: GOOD: Now BETTER: Easter 2022 BEST: Late 2023

(SKU: PX_QSM_CV)