2014 Shirvington Wine Notes

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Notes:

Cabernet Sauvignon from Block 4 of our Redwind vineyard was harvested at optimal ripeness. Crushed into 5 tonne opens the wine spent a week on skins being plunged, pumped over and racked and returned. It was basket pressed to oak where it underwent malolactic fermentation and maturation for 20 months prior to being blended and bottled.

100% French oak - 85% new and the remainder 1, 2 and 3 year old hogsheads.

A pleasant, perfumed nose of red cherry and spicy cedar oak is immediately perceptible. Subtle hints of mint leaf and star anise lie underneath. The palate begins with succulent strawberries and cherries, which morph into riper blackcurrants. The fruit is coaxed along by fine, savoury tannins, which combined with fresh acidity give the finish a lovely length and generosity.

Accolades:

  • James Halliday 91 points 

2014 The Redwind Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Notes:

Grapes grown in the beautiful terra rosa soil of Block 4 in our Redwind vineyard were chosen and crushed into an open fermenter. The wine was plunged, pumped over, racked and returned and then basket pressed into predominantly new French oak. The best barrels were chosen and different amounts from each barrel were put together to make the finest blend.

100% French - 85% new and the remainder 1 and 3 year old hogsheads. This wine was a blend from the best 4 barrels.

An intensely varietal cabernet – leafy, concentrated cassis and ripe black cherry fruit dominate the nose. Lush blackberries infused with aromatic sage and spice characters are delicately balanced by fine, slightly chewy tannins and firm acid. Elegant in structure and texture this complex and bright wine has exceptional integration and length.

Accolades:

  • James Halliday 93 points 

2014 Shiraz

Wine Notes:

Shiraz grapes from Block 6 and Block 9 of our Redwind vineyard were harvested at their best possible ripeness and fermented separately in 5 tonne opens. The wines were plunged, pumped over and racked and returned before being basket pressed. Parcels were kept separate during 20 months of maturation until being blended and bottled.

100% French - 43% new and 57% 1, 2 and 3 year old hogsheads and puncheons.

Lifted and perfumed on the nose this estate Shiraz is brimming with forest berry fruits, freshly ground coffee and spice notes. The fruit on the palate is plentiful and firmly backed by seasoned oak and fine tannins. Intricate flavours of licorice, sandalwood and caramel are beginning to develop as the wine enters a more mature phase. The tannins, though smooth and velvety, still elude power and promise. There are many years of enjoyment left to come.

Accolades:

  • James Halliday 95 points 

2014 The Redwind Shiraz

Wine Notes:

Grapes from Block 9 of our Redwind vineyard were selected at peak maturity and crushed into an open fermenter. During fermentation the wine was plunged, pumped over and racked and returned before being basket pressed. The wine spent 20 months maturing in specially selected French oak. The best barrels were chosen and different amounts from each barrel were put together to make the finest blend.

100% French - 35% new and 65% 3 year old hogsheads and puncheons. This wine was a blend from the best 4 barrels.

The alluring aromatics of this Shiraz fill the glass with ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, licorice and violet florals. These weave together into a solid foundation that is further enhanced by its silky texture and chalky limestone tannins. Beautiful balance from start to end give the lasting impression of a complex and focused wine whose best is yet to come.

Accolades:

  • James Halliday 95 points

Vintage Notes

Good winter rainfall and a warm, dry and very windy spring led to leaves being stripped from vines, a reduced berry set and smaller canopies than normal. Heatwaves in mid-January and again in early to mid-February threatened to destroy any hope of a reasonable vintage. however, 35mm of rain fell on the Redwind vineyard on 13 and 14 February having a fantastic effect on vine health, with leaves and fruit re-hydrating. Cooler temperatures allowed the vines to function normally and the fruity to develop excellent flavour and phenological ripeness.