2009 Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz

The most interesting aspect of Penny’s Hill Malpas Road vineyard is a peculiar characteristic of the soil from which this wine's namesake is derived, due to the cracking black 'bay of biscay' soils. Since the site was planted in 1991, viticulturalists have observed come summer, preceding vintage, that fissures occur as the black soil dries up. It literally cracks apart, severing any surplus root structure in the vine; a process which naturally lessens vine vigour and enhances fruit quality.

To best reflect the variations in terroir across the vineyards and ensure that the fruit is picked at optimal levels of physiological ripeness, harvest of individual parcels occurs on different days. Maturation takes place in French oak barrels; approximately 30% new, the balance 2 years old for a period of 17 months.

Totally opaque black crimson colour with black heart and very deep black crimson hue. Perfumed top notes of liquorice allsorts, aniseed and confectionary followed by some dark plum and blackberry. Full bodied with outstanding palate concentration delivering generous flavours of liquorice, blackpepper, blackberry and spice. Excellent depth with fine grained, slightly dry but perfectly balanced tannins provide the wine with excellent structure. Very long blackpepper, liquorice and spice aftertaste. Slightly more structured than the 2008 and displaying a stronger peppery quality this Shiraz will greatly benefit with 4-5 years cellaring .(2014-2015).
Alc 14.5%