Vintage Notes
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.
Tasting Note
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.
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 |