2009 Penny's Hill Footprint Shiraz

A magnificent, opulently textured McLaren Vale Shiraz ...
A recent trip by one of our staff to Penny's Hill Vineyard near the township of McLaren was hosted by head honcho, Tony Parkinson. With chief viticulturalist Daniel Lavrancic of Paxton wines, an overview was given of the varying geologies of their sites, in particular the ‘Penny's Hill Vineyard’- an elevated 45 acre property tucked off the beaten track. Its close vine plantings result in the superlative fruit quality for which the 'Footprint' is sourced. It was interesting to learn that a geological study of the McLaren Vale wine region was released in 2010 after 30 years in the making, its sole purpose is to identify the links between geology and modern wine flavours (a concept otherwise known as ‘terroir’). The study details geographical attributes going back 1600 million years, spanning several soil types. Its intention is to assist growers in future planting choices, but right now it's proving a source of provocative debate as to the need for demarcating subdistricts at all. Will it ultimately just confuse the consumer?As long as the 'terroirs' have a sound basis in science and offer genuine flavour differentials, the project would seem justified, but the onus will fall on vignerons to educate the public.

This stunning effort presents a totally opaque, inky black crimson colour with very deep, black crimson hue. The nose displays excellent intensity and varietal character with perfumed aromas of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, mocha, liquorice, confectionary and spice. Super concentrated, dense and voluptuously textured, the palate delivers an explosive profile that fully encompasses every corner of the mouth with flavours of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, mocha, vanilla, confectionary, liquorice and spice. Extravagantly rich and possessing silky smooth tannins with an exceptionally long aftertaste of blackberry, dark chocolate, vanilla and mocha.
Cellar 5-8 years (2016-2019).
Alc 15.0%