2006 Limestone Coast Shiraz Cabernet

Viticulture:

Fruit for this wine was sourced from Coonawara and Padthaway. 2006 was considered a very good year for the Limestone Coast region. A warm spring led to good flowering and fruit set and was followed by a warm to hot summer. This resulted in early ripening and a compact, trouble free vintage. Small berry size and moderate bunches produced below average yields of fruit with deep colour, intense flavour and expected varietal intensity and ripe, soft tannins.

Vinification:

Both the Cabernet and Shiraz parcels were fermented in small rotary fermenters and upright static fermenters for six to eight days with aerative pump-overs performed daily. After pressing off the skins, wines were racked to a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak for 12 months. The final blend reflects the consistent quality, richness and supple texture of the wine from the Limestone Coast region.

Tasting Notes:

This wine is deep red with purple hues. The nose shows sweet plum, cherry and strawberry notes on the nose with abundant aniseed aromas reflected on the palate. The bold, fruit driven palate is supported by cedar and vanillin oak characters. The fine silky tannins add to the wine's complexity and long lingering, sweet flavours on the finish.

Winemaker:

Andrew Hales.

Cellaring:

Excellent drinking now but will reward careful cellaring for three years.

Technical Details:

Region/Country: Limestone Coast, Australia
Alcohol: 15.0%
pH: 3.55
Total Acidity: 0.62 g/100ml
Harvest Date: March-April 2006
Bottle Date: August 2007
U.S. Release Date: May 2008

 

Ratings & Reviews

Wine Spectator (Jan. 31 - Feb. 28, 2009)
"Top Values of 2008: BE Australia."

 

Wine Spectator (October 15, 2008)
"Polished, round and generous with its red berry and loamy earth flavors... Well formed and focused, finishing well... Drink now through 2014." - Harvey Steiman