Scarlet Runner Shiraz 2011
Tasting Notes
The wine is blue black and is redolent of spice on the nose – black pepper and 5 spice. The palate is fresh and even, and there is great length and balance.
Vintage
We had good winter rains after a few seasons of below average rainfall. 2011 was a late season: budburst was approximately 2-3 weeks late, and harvest started similarly behind the norm (we usually start picking Chardonnay in early/ mid February). This year we picked whites in late February/ early March. Unseasonal rains in March threw a spanner in the works somewhat, but luck and good management helped us dodge most of the bullets. Whites are terrific, as is the Cabernet Sauvignon and our best parcels of Shiraz are incredibly bright, balanced and reminiscent of our 1999 reds, which have incredible longevity. Overall this was a very long vintage with moderate yields which tested Joch’s nerves a little more than usual.
Winemaking
We employed a mixture of open and small tank fermentation to make our Scarlet Runner Shiraz. We use a combination of old and new oak barrels to mature the wine in, comprising a mix of both French and American oak. We use about 10% new oak. McLaren Vale makes such bright vibrant Shiraz, it seems churlish to smother it with oak. We really want this wine to be all about the fruit.
Awards
Top 100 Wine – Tony Love's Advertiser Top 100 Wines July 2013
Certified organic, there's a good belt of hearty and earthy dark-fruited Vales Shiraz in here, boosted by a lovely sweet spot right in the middle of the mouth, offset deftly by a fine coat of spicy tannins that hold the wine tight. Lingering with energy and enjoyment. Very nice indeed.
Reviews
The Wine Front June 2013 Mike Bennie
Produced from estate grown, organic fruit from the loving hands of Joch Bosworth. He who nurtures vineyards and wine. Always wears nice work clothes. Never seen him out of them. Doesn’t mind a single malt either, not excessive, just likes a dram. Meanwhile, the packaging on these float my boat – love the antique seed packet feel. Go Team Bosworth.
It’s a little light on for length and depth, but it’s a brightly flavoured, choc-berry orientated red wine that offers fresh fruit aromas, spice, earthiness and a bit of structure from dusty tannins. Good flavour and punch across the palate, feels like a Monday to Thursday pizza wine style, done well, with some concentration of flavour. Good drink.
87 points
Drink 2013-2015
Other Vintages
Technical Details
Picking Date: 18th, 22nd March and 1st April 2011
pH: 3.65
Total Acidity: 6.22 g/L
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
Bottling Date: 19th March 2012