Winemaker's Comments

An individual vineyard Hunter Valley Shiraz in our range, hailing from a vineyard located at Sweetwater Ridge in the northern (Belford) end of the Lower Hunter Valley. Planted in 1998, the red/brown loamy soils over limestone are what give this wine its distinctive floral lift and character. The relatively vigorous vines are usually crop thinned to around 4-5 tonnes per Hectare each year which ensures even ripening and produces wonderfully concentrated fruit.

Harvested on the 10th and 11th of February, the fruit was fully ripe and in excellent condition. The fermentation was allowed to get quite warm at the start and then cooled towards the finish to ensure we achieved the right tannin structure and maximum colour extraction. The inclusion of 10% whole bunches into the fermentation has added a subliminal stalky complexity. Matured in premium French oak 300L hogsheads prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

From an outstanding Hunter Valley vintage, the 2013 Sweetwater shiraz is true to form with its distinctive floral notes of violets and potpourri, within a pretty, perfumed red and blue fruited frame, and a lengthy, supple tannin profile. The deliciously intense mid palate provides some awesome current drinking appeal, but will also reward some patient cellaring. A cellar door favourite...
Drink 2019 - 2030+

Bottled         
Released    
Production   1484 Dozen
Alcohol 14.3%
pH 3.50
Acidity 6.6g/L