2002 Limestone Coast Shiraz

Tasting Notes

The 2002 Greg Norman Estates Shiraz displays lifted varietal aromas of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate. There is a hint of spicy oak on the rich palate along with sweet plum and blackberry. Supple, fine tannins provide good structure and texture to the flavors and lead to a long and elegant finish.

Grape Source

The fruit for this wine was sourced from vineyards in the Padthaway, Wrattonbully and legendary Coonawarra regions, which are located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia. The Limestone Coast has become famous for its high quality fruit grown on the rich, red soils overlying hard limestone rock. The 2002 vintage was exceptional. The cool climate ensured that the fruit developed intense varietal fruit characters, elegant tannins and firm structure.

Vinification

The individual vineyard parcels of fruit were harvested and then fermented separately in roto and static fermenters. The juice was pumped over the skins to extract the rich colors and flavors from the skins. The wine was pressed and then racked into new and seasoned American and French oak for maturation prior to blending and bottling.

Winemaker

Andrew Hales

Cellaring

Excellent drinking now but will reward careful cellaring for up to 3 years.

Technical Details

Alcohol: 14%
pH: 3.29
Acidity: 6.4 g/L
Residual Sugar: 2.3 g/L

 

Ratings & Reviews

Wine Spectator (April 30, 2005)
"Smart Buys / Best Values. Golfer Greg Norman hits a hole in one with this generous blueberry-and smoke-flavored red. It reveals an elegant side of Aussie Shiraz...Bright, lively and generous with its distinctively blueberry, plum and smoky aromas and flavors. Lingers with unexpected elegance and hints of sweet spice on the finish."

 

Wine Spectator (December 31, 2005)
#58 on list of Top 100 Wines for 2005

 

Quarterly Review of Wines (Winter 2004 - Winter 2005)
"This Shiraz is the best of the Greg Norman offerings, and its price is what most people want to pay. It is from a very fine vintage. Slightly sweet American oak nose, with spice and cinnamon and mild tannins. Finely structured. Rich chocolate, blackberry, plum and spice make this a delicious wine."

 

Chile Pepper (November 2005)
"Rich, delicate aromas of black cherry, cherry and spice. Similar flavors with soft mouthfeel and long finish. More elegant than many other Shirazes." - Dick Rosano

 

Chicago Tribune (January 18, 2006)
"Good. Dark fruit flavors meet with a touch of spice and black pepper in this Australian red." - Bill Daley

 

Slate.msn.com (March 2, 2005)
"Black pepper, sweet cherry flavors... Nicely restrained on the palate with good balance." - Michael Steinberger