2009 Sevenhill Inigo Shiraz

Much has been written of the modern explosion (and subsequent implosions) of the Australian wine industry, which today sees around 2500 wine producers in operation. But what of our history and traditions? Of these 2500 producers only 22 have a continuous operating history of 150 years or more, and only a handful of these have maintained independence from the big multinational beverage companies. Sevenhill is one such producer, standing as the founder of the wine industry in the Clare Valley, with vines first planted around 1851 by the Society of Jesus (a.k.a. the Jesuits).

Initially their produce was reserved for sacramental wine, however, later red and white wines as well as brandy were being made for lay consumption. Today the youngest Shiraz block is over 35 years old. For the 2009 Inigo Shiraz the oldest plantings selected are around 140 years old, which for a sub $20 Shiraz is extraordinary. In the winery this rich historyis backed up by traditional techniques rarely seen in the value segment of the market. One hundred year old, open top, slate fermenters, providing exceptional surface area exposure to the skins, combine with hand plunging and meticulous small batch care and handling. Finish the process with a basket press and the result is a wine showing a finesse of extract and flavour we find distinctive in a wine at this price point. In fact, there is every chance there will not be another Shiraz this year that quite matches this for $17.

This fleshy expression was matured in French oak and displays a totally opaque black dark crimson colour with very deep dark red hue. The nose exhudes lifted top notes of ripe blackberry, liquorice allsorts, dark plum and spice. Rich bold palate flavours inlcude ripe blackberry, liquorice, spice and toasty oak with some blackpepper on the back palate. Very generous mouthfeel. The flavour concentration is nothing short of astonishing here. Fine grained, slightly dryish but balanced tannins. Excellent depth with long aftertaste of liquorice, blackberry, toasty oak and blackpepper. Whilst being very accessible in youth, Sevenhill's entry wines have also proven ability to age gracefully.
Cellar 4-5 years (2015-2016).
Alc 15.5%