Mount Horrocks Alexander Vineyard Shiraz 2021
315 CASES PRODUCED
This wine has become acknowledged for the distinctly ‘European approach’ that Stephanie has always taken. But what does ‘European approach’ mean?
One quarter of the hand-picked fruit is whole-bunch foot crushed to give more perfume, while the remainder is crushed and fermented for more palate weight. Both components then spend 18 months in French oak barriques.
Stephanie’s aim has always been to produce expressive and poised examples of the variety – a wine that’s both fresher and lower in alcohol. However, this is not achieved by simply picking the grapes earlier, which can result in a leaner wine.
One benefit of a balanced vineyard is the achievement of full flavoured grapes earlier, so a moderate alcohol, fresh yet full flavoured palate is possible.
“Perhaps the term ‘balanced’ rather than European would better describe where I’m at now” says Stephanie. This latest shiraz certainly reflects that.
Tasting Notes
Vibrant cherry red. Lovely, bountiful juicy dark fruits and plush oak with hints of lush tobacco leaf.
Full bodied and intensely flavoursome, yet not in any way heavy, the dark red and black fruit, earthy tannins and balanced acid deliver a beautifully rounded wine to enjoy now through to over a decade.
A lovely, lovely wine that you will find it difficult to keep your hands off.
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Recent reviews
- The Real Review2021 ‘Alexander Vineyard’ Shiraz 95 points Deep-ish, bright red-purple hue with a bright cherry and spice aroma, the palate elegantly cast with refined tannins and great style. Indeed, unusual levels of both spice and elegance for shiraz from this region. Intense and focused, spritely and lingering, with a firm finish that presages good cellaring prospects. By Huon Hooke The ...
- Halliday Wine Companion 20222019 Mount Horrocks Alexander Vineyard Shiraz 95 points Excellent purple/black hue. In a way a commanding wine, yet it has alluring perfume, and a wave of spices over black fruit. Full bodied, deep, earthly and complex. Ribbons of tannins strung through, a touch raspy (presumably from toasty oak) but either way, it offers a solid drink today, ...
- The Real Review2019 Mount Horrocks Alexander Vineyard Shiraz 95 Points A menthol, brambly aromatic lift, there’s stewed rhubarb, spice and mulberries in there as well. The flavours have a lovely balance and texture, there’s ample blue fruits, mint and spice and the tannins create a refined, granular and sophisticated texture. By Aaron Brasher The Real Review
- WBM Magazine95 points 2018 Alexander Vineyard Shiraz I love the elegant, classic and understated refinement of Stephanie Toole’s sensitivity in the wines, and this release epitomises it, right down to a one-quarter component whole-bunch and foot crushed. It’s seamless and harmonious from day one, uniting fragrance with deep, succulent, black allure. Classic Clare Shiraz, and one of the ...
- The Real Review93 points 2018 Alexander Vineyard Shiraz By Huon Hooke Deep, bright, youthful purple colour, and a raw essency aroma of dark plum and blackberry – the palate likewise very fresh and crisp, slightly callow and primal. Spicy and cool, it shows lots of potential. The tannins are soft and mild and it could be drunk now by those ...
