2020 Mayors Vineyard Shiraz

Tasting Notes

Fermented in open fermenters and had plunged to assist preserving flavour and gentle extraction of tannins adding texture. Individual block ferments were kept separate and left on skins until the perfect extraction levels were achieved. The individual parcels were then basket pressed and transferred to selected French oak for 14 months. Careful blending of individual barrels occurred 2 months before bottling. This wine is only made in years when quality is exceptional, with only a limited quantity of bottles released.   

This is gracefully rich and enticing on the nose showing blackberry, rich floral, olive and cedary oak characters, followed by an impressively concentrated palate delivering refined texture and chalky tannins. Multi-layered and gorgeously complex with superb structure and presence. 

Growing Conditions

A cool dry winter and hot start to summer had us bracing for another difficult vintage. Thankfully, we received some welcome rain at the start of February which helped to keep the vines fresh. Cool temperatures during February and March were perfect for vines to ripen exceptional flavours. 

Vineyard

Situated at just over 500m in altitude, the vines of The Mayors Vineyard, in the North East of the Clare Valley provide the fruit for this single vineyard wine. The 54 year old vines were hand harvested and individual blocks kept separate through vinification. The vineyards soils of red loam are dotted with slate and have long produced Shiraz displaying a wonderful balance between savoury aspects and fruit purity.