2016 Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz

The Massena venture was started by two High School mates, Dan Standish (formerly winemaker at Torbreck) and Jaysen Collins (previously manager at Turkey Flat). The duo are noted for trialling unusual varieties such as Primitivo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Roussanne, Saperavi and Tannat. The sixty year old Shiraz vines from Greenock that form the base of this wine were ready to be uprooted due to the lack of yields and the reluctance of other companies to pay extra for the A grade fruit. After repeated requests for access to these grapes, at 'the eleventh hour' the owners agreed to stop the bulldozer and retain a small area of vines. No American oak is used at Massena. After 15 months in seasoned French oak the wine was moved to tank in individual components for several months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

Magnificent depth of colour with an impenetrable inky black core and an equally deep dark purple black hue. There’s good intensity to the nose with aromas of black cherries, liquorice and dark plum overlaid by blackpepper followed by elements of smoky cedar and spicy fennel. Rich vibrant black fruits saturate the palate with flavours of black cherries, liquorice and dark plums dominate over lightly smoked vanillin cedar, faint infusions of fennel and spicy pepper. Outstanding concentration with a fresh opulent feel to the extravagant fruit. Finishes with good brightness and perfectly integrated velvet like tannins. Long powerful aftertaste of ripe black cherries, liquorice, spicy dark plums, fennel, smoky vanillin cedar and pepper.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%