2008 Grandstand Shiraz Wine

The boundless appeal of good Shiraz is characterised by a sweet mid palate full of ample fleshy fruit. Grapes grown in the premium grape growing regions of the south west of Western Australia are combined in this wine to capture the full and fascinating flavour spectrum of varietal Shiraz.

The 2008 season:

A dry and warm spring/summer and an autumn harvest period of continued warmth presented near perfect vintage conditions. The 2008 vintage will be long regarded as an exceptional Western Australian vintage. All varieties ripened to perfection, colours were opaque and deep and tannins ripe and supple. The red wines will be long lived examples of their styles.

Tasting Notes:

The deep and dark black cherry colour implies an intensity and concentration of flavour. Savoury aromas of five spice, liquorice extract and pepper mix with sweet simmering dark-fleshed plums and freshly baked blackberry muffins. Warm and expansive, the palate is rich in the flavours of spiced fruit compote, dark chocolate, cedar and vanilla. The fine yet open-knit tannin structure of the wine plays a balancing or cradling role to this generously proportioned wine.

Winemaking:

The grapes from eachvineyard site are fermented on skins in 4 tonne open fermenters. Each fermentation is diligently hand-plunged until just the right amount of flavour, tannin and colour is extracted from the skins.

After gentle pressing, the wine is matured in French oak barriques for 18 months prior to blending, fining and bottling.

Analysis:

Alcohol: 14% v/v, pH: 3.48, Acidity: 5.94 g.lt

Food Ideas:

Thai green chicken curry or slow roasted pork belly.

Drink:

Now and over the next four years as the wine continues to mature.