2018 WHITE LABEL FORDWICH HILL SHIRAZ
Hunter Valley Shiraz is generally a lower alcohol more savoury alternative to most big Australian Shiraz. Featuring medium bodied soft tannins and more elegance and acid than most. I select the grapes for this limited volume shiraz from the volcanic soil vineyard of the easterly facing Fordwich Hill. This aspect allows for the accumulation of great flavour whilst maintaining the natural acidity of the wine.
Growing Season
Low yielding, high quality, clean fruit at full ripeness was a hallmark of the excellent 2018 vintage. The 2018 vintage had the earliest start we have ever experienced with the first fruit coming in on the 4th of January. Our Fordwich Hill Shiraz was hand picked the second week in February and showcased great flavour and tannin balance.
Vineyard
This Shiraz is grown on our Fordwich Hill vineyard, a small 3-hectare Easterly facing block planted on red volcanic soils in the early 1970’s. The age of these vines result in natural low yields and intensely concentrated fruit.
Winemaking
We ferment using partial ‘carbonic maceration’ to enhance the bright fruit aromatics and give a complex red wine with smooth tannins. The wine was placed in a mixture of 1 and 2-year-old French oak barriques for 12 months.
Tasting Notes
Bright blueberry aromatics a distinct flavour we see each year from the fruit off our Fordwich Hill vineyard. The palate is full of raspberry and mulberry fruits with a touch of chocolate framed with subtle oak and velvety tannins.
Wine Composition
pH 3.44
Titratable Acidity 7.2g/L
Alcohol 13.5%
Residual Sugar < 1g/L
Vine Age
50 years
Food Match
Dry Aged Waygu, Potato Gratin, Béarnaise
Cellaring Potential
20 + years
Accolades
Gold medal NSW Wine Show
96 points James Halliday
Silver Medal NSW Wine Show
94 points Mike Bennie The Wine Front
92 points Nick Butler The Real Review
