Past Vintages

Technical Details

 "Deep garnet purple in color, the 2009 Shingleback Shiraz is just a little reduced to begin, soon giving way to aromas of warm black plums and mulberries over dark chocolate, tar, damp earth and anise. the medium - full bodied palate lends a good concentration of savory flavors supported by a medium-firm level of grainy tannins, lively acid & a long, earthy finish. delicious now, it should cellar to 2017+. 89 pts."

Lisa Perotti Brown, The Wine Advocate #198 December 2011

"This sort of generous wine makes quality McLaren Vale shiraz such good value. Berry aromas are invitingly ripe but not too jammy. A moderate seasoning of vanillan oak adds dimension, as do suggestions of earth, liquorice and spice. The middleweight palate is smooth, finely textured and lingering, with balanced, ripe tannins. Drink over 4 years. 4 1/2 stars $$$ value"

Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age Epicure, November 15th 2011

"Tight, lean, cool-climate style - very peppery and with lovely blackberry fruit, ripe tannins, sensible oak and crisp acid. 3 1/2 stars"

Winestate Magazine, World's Greatest Shiraz Challenge VI, Sept / October 2011

"Deep colour; a generous but polished regional shiraz; medium- to full-bodied, it has a supple display of black fruits and the seemingly inevitable regional dark chocolate, finishing with a juicy note before the finale of fine tannins. 92 pts. To 2019 Tasted 13.1.11"

Reprinted with permission from the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2012

Winemaking

Shiraz (predominantly clones 1654, BVRC12 and BVRC30), grown on both red & black soils over limestone on the Shingleback Vineyard, are selected for this wine. The wine is hand-crafted in small open and static fermenters to maximise the potential of each small parcel of fruit. Maturation for an average of 14 months in fine grained American and French oak hogsheads softens, enhances & integrates the fruit & structural components of the wine.

Tasting Note

Deep red with youthful purple hues. Luscious aromas of ripe strawberry and blackberry are highlighted by nuances of milk chocolate, violet and a “wet slate” minerality. The rich dark cherry and blackberry fruit mid-palate is tightly defined by the silky tannins and fresh acidity typical of the vintage. This full-bodied Shiraz has a lingering finish, enhanced with a shot of espresso like American and French oak.

Awards:

• Gold medal - 2011 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
• Gold medal - 2011 International Wine Challenge, Vienna
• Gold medal - 2011 McLaren Vale Wine Show, Class 10
• Silver medal - 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition, UK
• Silver medal - 2011 Mundus Vini Great International Wine Awards, Germany
• Silver medal - 2011 New Zealand International Wine Show, Class 18a
• Silver medal - 2011 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Class 27
• Silver medal - 2010 Wine Style Asia Awards, Singapore
• 92pts - James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2012
• 89 pts - The Wine Advocate #198, USA