Almost black to the core with a purple rim. A lively aromatic boquet that resonates with cooler climate tones of aromatic spice and mint. The nose on this wine belies the palate. Underneath the perfumed aromatic fruit and clove, pepper spice is a powerful intense wine, rich and full bodied. Fine grainy tannins mingle with the rich plum and blackberry fruit charcters. One of the most distintctive wines in the Graden Series, often referred to as the 'dark sheep'!

Winemaking

Crushed and fermented in 5 - 10 tonne open top fermenters with regular pump overs; three daily during peak fermentation to extract colour and tannin.  Following 7 to 14 days of maceration the dry free run is drained to tank.  The skins are then pressed and the pressings transferred to the same tank, the wine is then racked to barrel.  Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel.  Minimal fining and non filtered.

Following good winter and early spring rains in 2004 and a mild October, the growing season got off to a flying start. The mild weather continued through spring, with the period being relatively frost free, resulting in good flowering and favourable set. Soil moisture levels were maintained with intermittent, but healthy rains, through the mild period, until the last rain incident of significance was seen in late November.

The dry and mild ripening season that followed, with temperatures generally below average, was ideal and led to great phenolic development. Our Shiraz shows rich purple fruits and spice, with fine, ripe tannins. Overall it should be an excellent year.

 

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Cork

Matt Wenk

Shiraz 100%

Padthaway, South Australia

July 2006

15.2%

7.13

3.47

10-12 years

16 months in 23% new French oak hogsheads, 20% 1 year old and the balance in a blend of 2, 3 and 4 year old.