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.
Reviews
2021 Alexander Vineyard Shiraz
94 points
By Mike Bennie
The Alexander vineyard is organically grown and biodynamic certified. Lush and rich with very dark berry fruitiness the mainstay with a support act of tobacco, clove and cinnamon in a brown spice melange and a flicker of choc-mint in the mix. Scents are more fruit-driven, the palate showing the glue of fine but prominent woody oak with spice as the overarching theme. That being said, it has pleasure in impressive concentration, the palate-staining intensity a feat. It delivers on the promise. Halliday Wine Companion, 27th July 20232021 ‘Alexander Vineyard’ Shiraz
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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 Real Review, 4th March 2023
