HITHER & YON SHIRAZ 2023 750ML

PLACE

We especially chose four separate blocks for this regional, modern Shiraz. Breakneck Creek Elliott Block (planted 1994), Sand Road Block 3 (planted 2014), Sand Road Block 1 (planted 2001), and Hillenvale (planted 1999). These blocks are all in the cooler Eastern foothills of McLaren Vale. Our aim is for a cooler style of McLaren Vale Shiraz due to the heightened elevation and leaner, mineral soil profile of these sites, lower yielding and freshened by the maritime breezes from the Gulf St. Vincent.

VINTAGE

It was really a small miracle and with good luck, that a healthy harvest started in 2023. A very wet and cold winter and spring, indeed the wettest November and lowest solar radiation days of a growing season on our record, made for extremely challenging vineyard management and disease pressure conditions. A little daunting was the lateness of the season, however a lovely autumn, still warm enough for ripening but cool too, so the fruit was fresh and balanced, at lower Baume with natural acidity.

WINEMAKING

The Shiraz fruit was all picked in individual blocks, parcels were vinified separately using traditional techniques until final blending. Whole berry, wild yeast, cool fermentation in open stainless (12-16 days), gently pressed to the tank for free run juice to settle, then firmer pressings straight to oak. Once all wines were dry, transferred to 3-4 year old French oak 500 litre puncheons for 18 months, racked and final blend was done, 50% of pressing added back in, then 6 months in stainless to mesh before bottling

97% Shiraz with a small (3%) of Malbec added finally for some darkness and mouthfeel.

WHAT’S GOOD?

• COLOUR: Dark purple, bright rim.
• AROMA: Black cherry, violets, clove, olives and smoked nuts.
• PALATE: Blackcurrant, blackberry, cracked spice, hertbs. Traditional McLaren Vale Shiraz flavour but with a modern, bright chord, kind of cool. Juicy and savoury, and a mineral line and finely tuned tannins.