2014 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 for a period of 18 months.

Midnight black dark purple colour with a deep dark purple hue. The nose reveals a scented profile of freshly crushed blackberries intermixed with liquorice and dark plum over hints of dark chocolate, vanillin cedar and spice. Full and rich yet with a sense of finesse about the textural feel the palate is filled with succulent dark fruits that include liquorice, ripe blackberries and dark plum with a backdrop of spicy vanillin cedar and inky pepper. Very fine grained velvet like tannins have a sturdy underlying structure. Excellent length with a long conclusion of liquorice, blackberries, dark plums, spicy vanilln cedar and pepper.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%