1018827_1.jpg
  • 96

2005 Fire Block Old Vine Shiraz

Clare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$19. 99
Bottle
$239.88 Dozen
Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2011-2012)
ABV: 14%
Closure: Screw Cap

The vineyards name, ‘Fire Block’ originates from the implementation of the railway line in the Clare Valley in the early 1920’s – it was feared that sparks from steam locomotives may start bushfires, and so the land adjoining the railway line was excised from the grazing property, and sold with the condition that it be used for establishing a vineyard. In the Winter of 1926 a vineyard was planted to 15 acres of Crouchen, Shiraz, Grenache and Pedro Ximinez. Produced from vines up to 80 years old on the western slopes of the Clare Valley, the vines are dry land grown and produce very small yields (around 2 tonnes per acre) of very concentrated, highly flavoursome fruit. All grapes are hand picked, the vines are hand pruned and the absolute minimum of fertilizers and chemicals are utilized in the vineyard. The wine is fermented in four tonne batches, basket pressed, then aged in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barriques and American hogsheads.

Winemakers David O’Leary and Nick Walker have produced a magnificent Shiraz!

Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Superb nose with perfumed lift of vanilla, spice and blackberry. Mouthfilling palate flavours of blackberry and spice showing strong varietal character with back palate flavours of plum and spice. Fine grained tannins, excellent weight. Very long complex aftertaste. A superb example of old vine Clare Valley Shiraz.
Cellar 2-3 years (2011-2012)
Alc/Vol: 14%
Stelvin