2017 Sons of Eden Zephyrus Shiraz

Sons of Eden is a partnership between winemaker Corey Ryan and viticulturist Simon Cowham who both learnt their trades in the vineyards and cellars of Eden Valley. The name of this wine is taken from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind who is often depicted as a horse. The vineyards of the Barossa are regularly buffeted by cooling Westerly winds creating an ideal temperature range in which to slowly ripen Shiraz. The 2017 Zephyrus is a blend of 16 different Shiraz parcels located throughout a wide range of vineyard sites within the cooler climate Eden Valley (45%) and warmer Barossa Valley (55%) regions. The vines are aged between 20-60 years old. Each parcel of fruit was fermented with varying levels of whole-bunch fruit clusters (between 10% to 60%). Maturation took place in a mix of new (45%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads for a period of 15 months.

A stella Shiraz that combines the sumptuous richness of Barossa Valley with the finesse of Eden Valley.

Pitch black in colour with a deep dark red black hue. The intense yet refined nose offers up a wonderful array of dark plum, liquorice, blackberry and blueberry aromas which mesh with subtlety smoked vanillin cedar, fennel, faint notions of scorched earth and blackpepper. Very pure and seamlessly integrated, the rich silky palate sees mouthfilling flavours of blackberry, liquorice and dark plum glide over a back drop of smoky vanillin cedar, traces of fennel, light earthy dark chocolate, dried herbs and spicy pepper characters. Velvet smooth tannins are impeccably interwoven with the opulent fruit. Outstanding power with a long sumptuous conclusion.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
Fruit from eight vineyards across the Barossa and Eden valleys, anywhere from 10-60% whole bunches depending on the batch, 3 weeks on skins and all French oak, 45% new. The wine stands out. Spice, fruit, pepper and wood smoke flavours explode onto the palate and ramp the seduction from there. It's both supple and fresh, but the fruit power is obvious. In short, it's really good. Drink by 2034.
96 points
Campbell Mattinson - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion