2003 Summerfield Reserve Shiraz

Summerfield wines are a small family run winery established in 1970 by Ian Summerfield with a reputation for producing consistently outstanding Pyrenees Shiraz - James Hallidays 2005 Wine Companion giving the winery a 5 star rating. Farming in the 1960's was going nowhere and as a result, a part of the Summerfield's farm was sold off to Taltarni who with their French and American winemaking connections, established a world class operation. Consequently, Ian was inspired to plant a vineyard. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc vines were selected. Early wine making was conducted by Leo Hurley - a fifty year old veteran of Seppelt, however, it was Ian's decision to appoint Drew Noon as consultant winemaker that changed the style and character of Summerfield wines forever. Ian's son Mark Summerfield is now in charge of the winemaking and along with brother Craig carry on the family business.
The 2003 vintage was a difficult one, but the end results were exceptional. The vintage started with temperatures as high as 45 degrees during flowering which reduced bunch sizes by up to 80%. The hot summer continued and with limited supplementary water the vines remained stressed. Just prior to picking a short heavy downpour broke berry skins causing much of the fruit to shrivel on the vine. However, as a result of careful handpicking, smaller bunch and berry sizes and incredibly low yields the fruit quality was outstanding producing a wine of great intensity. Due to the tiny yields and high quality of fruit there was no standard shiraz produced for the 2003 vintage.
A superb red from the Pyrenees. The wine was matured for 18 months in American oak.

Tasting Note:
Opaque black purple colour with deep purple hue. Aroma of violets, ripe plum, blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla and liquorice end notes. The palate has impressive weight, with flavours of black pepper, mint, spice, plum and black cherries. Excellent length and depth, with a sense of refinement. Perfectly balanced tannins. Aftertaste of blackberry, vanilla, liquorice and confectionary. An outstanding example of powerful Pyrenees Shiraz.
Cellar: 4-5 years (2009-2010)
Alc/Vol: 15.0%