2020 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 15 months.

Oozing with rich black fruits, this dense, chewy McLaren Vale Shiraz delivers terrific value.

Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep dark red black hue. Leaping out of the glass is an intense combination of liquorice, black cherry and blackberry aromas followed by some toasty vanillin oak, earthy dark chocolate and blackpepper notes. Full in body and densely concentrated, a ripe chewy tannin structure provides the framework for a core of rich, opulent black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruit. Vanillin cedar, crushed rock elements and blackpepper sit underneath. Showing excellent power and depth, a youthful freshness is nicely counterpointed by a lavish yet robust aftertaste that shows plenty of length.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%