2015 Summerfield Shiraz

Summerfield is a small family winery established by Ian Summerfield, whose family have lived and worked in the Pyrenees for over 100 years. It was in the 1960’s when farming was on a downturn that the Summerfield family made the decision to sell a section of the property to Walter Henning who proceeded to plant it to vines, which today are the original plantings of Taltarni.

Ian Summerfield drew inspiration from his neighbour’s endeavours and amidst challenging times for the farming industry, planting grapevines seemed a viable alternative to the other crops Ian and his family had previously produced, and so in the early 1970’s he planted 10 acres of predominantly Shiraz vines. Early crops were sold to Great Western (now Seppelts) and Chateau Remy (now Blue Pyrenees), however, as Ian’s knowledge in wine production and confidence in the future of the industry grew he made the decision to build a winery and employ industry legend Leo Hurley as winemaker, who had 50 years experience at Seppelts. Today with his son Mark in charge of winemaking, Summerfield are one of the Pyrenees top producers.

Rich and powerful with a luxurious feel.

An outstanding Pyrenees Shiraz that displays superb depth of colour with an inky black core and deep dark red black hue. Nosing offers up intense aromatics of liquorice, dark plum and hints of ripe blueberry over a back drop of vanillin cedar, traces of fennel and pepper. Full bodied and boasting terrific richness along with a slippery textural feel, mouthfilling flavours of dark plums, blackberry and liquorice gracefully caress the palate creating a sumptuous drinking experience. Underscoring the fruit is well integrated vanillin cedar, subtle nuances of fennel and spicy pepper. Within the refined, supple mouthfeel are velvet smooth tannins that seamlessly intermesh with the succulent fruit. Long finish of ripe dark plums, liquorice, blackberries, blueberries, subtle vanillin cedar and spicy fennel.
Very moreish now but will also cellar 5-6 years comfortably.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
Summerfield's calling card is sumptuous fruit across the range, bridled by massaged tannins and well applied structural supports. The approach serves to furl the region's predilection for ripeness and dry extract into a compact ball of power, albeit, eminent drinkability and an uncanny freshness. The wines almost feel lighter than they really are. This is no mean feat! Violet, blue fruits and vanilla cream, a clang of pepper and a finish of smoked baby back ribs... what's not to like? Drink by 2034.
94 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion