2010 Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz

 An Outstanding Shiraz that continues to pile on the accoloades having just picked up two trophies at the Sydney International Wine Competition

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 up to 16 months.

A youthful Shiraz that with a few years bottle age will evolve into yet another Ben Riggs Cracker.
Totally opaque, saturated, black purple colour with black purple hue. The nose displays youthful, crushed berry top notes of blackberry and plum followed by some liquorice, confectionary and spice. The palate excels, possessing McLaren Vale’s mid palate, joosy qualities with rich mouthfilling flavours of blackberry, plum and liquorice followed by some toast and spice. Very fine grained, almost velvet smooth tannins are beautifully integrated with the fruit. The superb depth and persistence is the lynch pin of this youthful McLaren Vale Shiraz and it will continue to evolve and only get better with bottle age. Long aftertaste of blackberry, plum, liquorice and blackpepper.
Cellar 4-5 years (2015-2016)
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews....
Crimson-purple; an enticing bouquet full of fruit and hints of spice and oak draws you into a juicy, textured palate with dark plum, blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate all having their say on the long palate, the extract well constructed. Screwcap. Drink by: 2025. Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion