The 18th release of this outstanding Clare Valley Shiraz handmade with a traditional winemaking approach: single vineyard, estate-grown, and handpicked.
A portion is whole bunch foot crushed for mid palate texture and more complexity. The balance is cold soaked on skins and fermented in purpose-built vessels which allow gentle plunging of the cap. Aged in French oak barriques – 40% new – for 18 months.
Chris Shanahan raved about the last vintage in the Canberra Times: “Winemaker Stephanie Toole says she crushed a portion of the whole bunches for this wine by foot. But there’s not a trace of old sock or any other undesirable traits in this beautifully refined but full-bodied shiraz from Watervale, at the southern end of the Clare Valley. The inclusion of whole bunches introduces stems into the fermentation and any pre – or post-ferment maceration. Provided the stems are ripe, the practice introduces desirable changes to a wine’s tannin structure and subtle, pleasing stalky notes to the aroma and flavour. That element seems barely noticeable in Toole’s very slinky, slippery shiraz.”
Tasting notes:
Deep crimson purple.
Appealing ripe dark fruits, cocoa and gentle spice.
This is a stylish shiraz, classic in character with mouthfilling red and black fruits – rich and juicy. The palate is beautifully elegant, balanced with long fine tannins, spicy fruit and oak. Stephanie’s deft use of a mix of new and old ensures a balanced, age-worthy wine. Comfortably 8+ years