Grove Estate Shiraz Viognier 2010
For the techs amongst you: 8 day ferment in two tonne open fermenters, 20% whole bunch Shiraz; plunged 3-4 times per day - Shiraz and Viognier together - straight out of the fermenters into barrel. Mostly hogsheads, 100% French oak, of which 30% is new, across a range of Coopers.
The wine, familiar aromatic lift of Apricot and violets from the 6% - 100% whole bunch - Viognier - added on top of the Shiraz. I initially served this too cold, suppressing these gentle aromas - instead bringing out some pan juices, and an almost charry aroma.
Entry, whilst smooth, isn't the same silken scarf as the 2009. And you start to see things a little differently. The 2010 exhibits the same fruit laden body of the '09, 20% whole bunch Shiraz assists to keep this fruit up; yet there's also greater depth to the wine. Things have been turned up a notch over the previous vintage.
The finish, long. Persistent, peppery finish - the hallmark of cooler climate Shiraz. A touch of tannin presents itself early on, nigh chalky.
Over two days the wine shifted a little, giving an indication of some mid-term cellaring potential. The body showed greater depth. Losing a little of the primary fruit character, there was this intensity, a blackness, some old leather. The pepper had pared back a notch, yet still a persistent, intense finish.
A great follow up to the 2009, but for the drinker some time to open up is rewarded. For the patient individual with the wherewithal to cellar, 5-7 years at a possible conservative estimate would be richly rewarded.
Source: Sample
The wine, familiar aromatic lift of Apricot and violets from the 6% - 100% whole bunch - Viognier - added on top of the Shiraz. I initially served this too cold, suppressing these gentle aromas - instead bringing out some pan juices, and an almost charry aroma.
Entry, whilst smooth, isn't the same silken scarf as the 2009. And you start to see things a little differently. The 2010 exhibits the same fruit laden body of the '09, 20% whole bunch Shiraz assists to keep this fruit up; yet there's also greater depth to the wine. Things have been turned up a notch over the previous vintage.
The finish, long. Persistent, peppery finish - the hallmark of cooler climate Shiraz. A touch of tannin presents itself early on, nigh chalky.
Over two days the wine shifted a little, giving an indication of some mid-term cellaring potential. The body showed greater depth. Losing a little of the primary fruit character, there was this intensity, a blackness, some old leather. The pepper had pared back a notch, yet still a persistent, intense finish.
A great follow up to the 2009, but for the drinker some time to open up is rewarded. For the patient individual with the wherewithal to cellar, 5-7 years at a possible conservative estimate would be richly rewarded.
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.groveestate.com.au/
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