2013 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, viticulturists 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 20% new, the balance 1-4 year old for a period of up to 18 months.

A Delicious Fruit loaded effort

Superb colour displaying an inky black core that’s totally impenetrable with a very deep purple black hue. Impressive aromatics with scents of ripe dark plums, blackberries and liquorice followed by some vanillin oak and spice. Full bodied the palate features a rich sumptuous flavour profile of ripe blackberries, dark plums and liquorice which overlay a backdrop of vanillin cedar and pepper. Opulent round, plushly textured mouthfeel. Velvet smooth tannins. Excellent concentration and depth with a long aftertaste of liquorice, blackberries, spicy vanillin cedar and blackpepper.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%