2008 Shirvington Wine Notes
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Notes:
The wine was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in 60% new oak and 40% one year old oak. 55% of the oak was American and 45% was French.
A very lifted and attractive wine on the nose; it has aromas of blackcurrant intermingled with flowering thyme and hints of spearmint. The palate shows bright blackberry fruit and briar like characters as well as an attractive cigar box complexity. The oak plays a nice supporting role to the fruit and the wine is nicely structured; it has lovely mouth coating and velvety tannins. It is drinking well now and will cellar well for some years.
Accolades:
- Wine Advocate 92 points
- Wine Spectator 88 points
- Wine Enthusiast 89 points
2008 Shiraz
Wine Notes:
The wine was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 14 months in 65% new oak and 35% one year old oak. 80% of the oak was American and 20% was French.
With a rich and dark hue, this Shiraz is dense and brooding. Starting with aromas of plum jam and mulberry fruit, the clove and cinnamon spice come through and give some lovely complexity. The palate is rich and round, with dense fruit characters, but also freshness and hints of violet floral characters. The wine develops in the mid palate and shows more savoury spice and dark chocolate characters. The wine has fine tannins and a lingering finish. It is drinking well now and will cellar well for some years.
Accolades:
- Wine Advocate 92 points
- Wine Spectator 88 points
- Wine Enthusiast 89 points
Vintage Notes
The growing season started in September 2007. Heavy rains in November and December were followed by drought conditions in January and February. Irrigation was applied in small amounts to keep the canopy healthy. On March 1, a 15-day heatwave (temperatures over 100ºF, or 37ºC) began - a one in 3,000-year event. There was significant crop loss and vintage was earlier than expected, but the wine quality is very good.
