2008 Water Wheel Shiraz

Water Wheel Vineyards, located in the Bendigo district, were established in 1972, however, it wasn’t until 1989 when the Cumming family purchased the winery and 20 acres of vineyard that it began to establish a market presence. With a philosophy of producing rich ripe flavour filled wines that delivered value way beyond their miserly price point, Water Wheel vineyards quickly established a very loyal following during the early 1990’s to the point where in the later part of the decade their Shiraz was in such high demand that they sold out within months of release. The same philosophy remains at Water Wheel today, it’s just that things are done on a much larger scale with the group now having total plantings that exceeds 300 acres.

Yields are capped at 3 tonnes per acre, which explains the concentration of flavour found in these wines. The winemaking is straightforward with fermentation taking place in open stainless steel fermenters. The finished wine is then matured in a combination of new and 1-2 year old American oak hogsheads for 9-12 months.

Apart from a slight hiccup with the 2007 vintage Water Wheel continues to consistently produce one of the country’s best value for money reds.

Opaque purple black colour with deep purple mauve hue. Aromas of aniseed, ripe blackberry, plum, confectionary and spice. Full bodied generous palate flavours of ripe blackberry, plum, liquorice and spice followed by some blackpepper characters on the back palate. Silky smooth tannins with long aftertaste of blackpepper, ripe plum and blackberry. A very ripe, fleshy Water Wheel Shiraz that’s back in top form after a slightly disappointing effort in 2007.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
15.5% Alc