2016 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 15% new for a period of 18 months.

Waves of rich, concentrated black fruits are framed by robust tannins in this lavish production from Penny’s Hill.

A magnificent inky black core is totally impenetrable as is the deep dark purple black hue. Pronounced ripe blackberry, liquorice and more subtle black cherry aromas evolve from the glass over lightly smoked vanillin cedar and blackpepper notes. An amalgam of rich black cherry, liquorice and blackberry flavours surge across the palate underscored by elements of smoky vanillin cedar, traces of dried meats and spicy blackpepper. Opulent chewy mouthfeel with ironstone like tannins providing definition, framing the exuberant fruit well. Superb concentration and persistence with a long lavish aftertaste of ripe black cherries, liquorice, blackberries, lightly smoked vanillin cedar, subtle earthy dried meats and blackpepper.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%