1997 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz

Notes sourced from Southcorp wines.

Magill Estate Shiraz is Penfolds only single-vineyard wine, made from grapes grown on the remaining five hectares of the vineyard established by Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold in 1844. Today, the Magill Estate vineyard consists entirely of Shiraz vines, all aged between 25 and 45 years. It is the only wine now made at Magill, using the same open fermenters in which the Granges and Special Bin reds of the 1950's and 60's were created.This wine is less reliant on sheer power, with an emphasis on structure and fruit. It is bottled with minimal interference from filtration or fining. First vintaged in 1983, Magill Estate Shiraz was created by then Chief Winemaker Don Ditter, working closely with Max Schubert, who had retired but still consulted to Penfolds.A cool summer was followed by warm weather in late March and April. Winter rainfall had been excellent in most districts and good rains continued into September and past bud-burst. The wine was matured for a period of fourteen months in a combination of new French oak (53 per cent) and new American oak (47 per cent).Deep plum red colour. The nose is exotic - lifted floral aromas combine with dark chocolate and cinnamon and citrus peel spices. The savoury background is reminiscent of cold meats. The palate displays distinctive, spicy Shiraz fruit typical of the region. Ripe stone fruit flavours, assertive tannins and leathery finish. Cellar 10 years plus.