2014 Vinelea Shiraz

Winemaker Stuart Smith has followed up his superb 2013 Beechworth Shiraz with this fabulous 2014 rendition. A touch riper and slightly softer, it possesses terrific richness although it doesn’t have that Northern Rhone like meatiness about it like the 2013. Another warm year at Beechworth, 2014 saw well timed rains and cooler conditions at vintage time result in controlled sugar levels and moderate alcohols for such full bodied wines. Maturation took place in French Oak of which 25% was new for a period of 18 months.

Rich, savoury and peppery this is another outstanding Beechworth Shiraz from Vinelea.

Totally opaque inky black colour with a deep dark red black hue. Showing excellent intensity the nose features a scented profile of violets, liquorice, ripe black cherries and blackberries with ensuing smoky vanillin cedar and blackpepper notes. Rich and savoury with plenty of interest, the palate is filled with succulent ripe black cherry and liquorice flavours over some dark plum, fennel, lightly smoked vanillin cedar and blackpepper. Velvet smooth, perfectly integrated tannins. Excellent power with a long finish of black cherries, liquorice, fennel, smoky vanillin cedar and blackpepper.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 13.7%