2017 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 17 months.

A mighty McLaren Vale Shiraz that delivers terrific value.

Impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Flowing out of the glass are pronounced ripe blackberry, liquorice and black cherry aromatics which are interwoven with subtlety toasted vanillin oak, hints of dark chocolate, fennel and blackpepper. Densely concentrated, rich and lavish, the palate is saturated with blackberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits which are counterpointed by ripe chewy tannins giving the finish a sturdy feel. Elements of vanillin cedar, earthy fennel and blackpepper chime in on the long powerful aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
You get a lot of everything with this wine: vibrant red and black fruits (cherry/berry), spice, texture, structure, oak and tannins all swathed in a dusting of regional chocolate. Great class, exceptional value. Drink by 2032.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion