2019 Water Wheel Bendigo 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 2-5 year old American oak hogsheads for 24 months.

Classic Water Wheel Shiraz delivering a level of concentration and power way beyond its price point.

Sourced from Water Wheel’s oldest vineyards with an average age of 40 years, the lower yielding 2019 vintage delivered fruit with amazing concentration of flavour. Impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep black dark red hue. Leaping from the glass are liquorice, black plum and black cherry scents followed by spicy vanillin oak, subtle earthy fennel and pepper notes. Decadently rich, dense and bold the palate is swamped with opulent black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruits which are supported by a robust tannin structure. Smoky vanillin oak, scorched earth and blackpepper characters ensue. Delivers superb concentration and power for the price.
Long plush yet sturdy conclusion that has a lingering scorched earth and blackpepper element to it.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.9%