2007 Wirra Wirra Catapult Shiraz Viognier

From its inception, Wirra Wirra has been associated with eccentrics, few more so than the late Greg Trott. Apart from revitalising Wirra Wirra, Trott realised several unusual visions, but passed away before fulfilling his dream of building a full scale, medieval seige machine. This wine offers an alternative expression to Trott's McLaren Vale showpiece.

A blend of 94.4% Shiraz and 5.4% Viognier, the wine was matured in a combination of 60% French oak and 40% American oak, of which 15% was new, for a period of 18 months. General vintage conditions in 2007 remained dry and hot with February being one of the hottest on record since 1861. Yields were some of the lowest in the last 10 years with growers reporting a harvest down by as much as 60-70% on some varieties. However, amongst the gloom of low yields were some very high quality parcels of Shiraz. Opaque dark red purple colour with dark red purple hue. The nose is quite aromatic and lifted with aromas of liquorice allsorts, dark plum, confectionary and spice. Excellent weight with a joosy texture and flavour profile. Voluptuous blackberry, dark plum and liquorice allsorts overlaid with spicy blackpepper back palate flavours. Velvet smooth tannins provide the wine with a silky mouthfeel. Long persistent aftertaste of ripe dark plum, liquorice allsorts, spice and blackpepper. A top effort from Wirra Wirra.
Drink now or cellar 2-3 years (2009-2012)
14.5% Alc