The Mystery of Old Vines...
ROB GIBSON is Australia’s foremost viticulturist, having been responsible for assisting growers in nurturing vineyards whose grapes are destined for PENFOLD’S GRANGE. His habit of looking over fences into the backyards of Barossa residents, seeking out remnants of old vineyards led to his discovery of the Langmeil Vineyard which at 155 years old, is regarded as the oldest in Australia. Yielding miniscule crops, often of less than 2 tonnes per acre, Australia is indeed fortunate in that there are a number of 'Grandfather' vineyards still bearing fruit. But what special quality of these vines bestows greatness upon a wine? Research indicates that the extraordinary quality of wines produced from old vines begins in their root system: Old age has seemingly conferred a natural wisdom upon such vines and they possess an extensive network of deeply penetrating roots that are able to withstand moisture stress. In fact the grandfather vines are never stressed, they merely experience a variation of moisture tension in the various layers of strata through which their roots penetrate. It is this water tension that influences the leaf development of the vine and the subsequent evolution of unique flavour compounds in the grapes. The result is a marvel for the International wine community – wines of unmistakable character and complexity that cannot be found in wines of younger origin. With great age, only the healthiest vines have survived, to provide a summation of times past, as well as a window into the future. The rare attributes of these vines mean the wines produced from them are amongst the worlds great drinking experiences, possessing super fine tannins even when young, yet with an
ability to age. Tasting Note:
Rob Gibson continues to produce extraordinary Shiraz from “old vine remnants” vineyards that he finds in the Barossa Valley. Opaque black purple colour with deep black purple hue. Superb perfumed nose of violet, spice, blackberry juice and cedar. The palate is a mouthfilling concentrate of flavours, beautifully integrated. Vanilla, black pepper, confectionary, violet infusions deliver a profile of outstanding length and depth. Velvet tannin structure, perfect balance. Very long aftertaste of vanilla, plum, cherry and spice.
Cellar 5-8 years (2011-2014)
Alc/Vol 14.5%
Other Reviews…
A blockbuster, the 2004 Shiraz Old Vine Collection is 100% Shiraz made from an amazing parcel of 140-year-old vines. It is a broodingly rich, backward, formidably endowed, dense ruby/purple-hued Shiraz boasting a huge, spicy, smoky nose, rich, sweet, blackberry and cassis fruit as well as hints of melted road tar, pepper, and flowers. This is a full-throttle Barossa Shiraz with a relatively modest alcohol content (14.4%). Given the richness, extract, and sweetness of the tannins, it can be drunk young or cellared for 15+ years.
95 points
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006)
