2018 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 2018 Zephyrus is a blend of 14 different Shiraz parcels located throughout a wide range of vineyard sites within the cooler climate Eden Valley (55%) and warmer Barossa Valley (45%) 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 40%). Maturation took place in a mix of new (40%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads for a period of 15 months.

A compelling union of power and refinement.

Pours a magnificent impenetrable inky black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Alluring and very expressive, the nose throws up scents of spicy dark plum, liquorice, blackberry and blueberry with fennel, vanillin cedar and pepper notes ensuing. Rich, sumptuous and polished in its feel, the palate possesses a deep well of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruit. Lending freshness are some blueberry elements with vanillin cedar, subtle earth, fennel and pepper also chiming in to add further interest. A finely knit matrix of tannins provide underling structure. Powerful yet also displaying superb refinement it concludes long, silky and nuanced.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
14 parcels from across the Eden (55%) and Barossa Valleys (45%) vinified with a multitude of techniques and an overarching 15 months maturation in French hogsheads (40% new). The oak is obvious, but so too is the depth of the blackberry and licorice fruit. Drink by 2037.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion