2022 Shiraz

The 2021 vintage in McLaren Vale certainly was one to remember. And this wine, largely from Blewitt Springs (87%) with just a lick of old vine fruit from McLaren Flat (13%) is most certainly a wine we enjoyed making.

Each year we take Shiraz from the Whaite brothers Springs Hill vineyard. It’s an elevated north-south facing site that delivers wonderful fruit and spice in a mid-weight package. For a little extra flesh, we took 4 short rows from the lower lying, earlier ripening Gower vineyard. Just a small 13% portion of this old vine fruit added the right amount of ‘stuffing’ to the wine, just a little more depth and complexity.

Yields in V21 were strong and fruit quality supurb. The resultant wine is brightly fruited, with intensity of flavour and no overriding alcohol heat - a Shiraz that showcases fruit right across the spectrum; red, blue and black showcasing some lovely spice highlights, bright natural acid and grainy direct tannins.

At the winery we meticulously handsorted before processing and opted to use 10% whole bunches during ferment. After a brief cold soak, wild fermentation commenced and the wine remained on skins for 16 days before being drained, footstomped and pressed to tank. From here, the ferment continued to dryness before being racked to older 300L Hogsheads for MLF and maturation.

Mid year, we racked and returned all our barrels off gross lees, brightening the wine before tucking them away for another 5-6 months maturation until blending and bottling (without fining or filtration) in late January 2022.

The 2021 Rouleur Shiraz shows complex violets, blue fruits and cardomom spice, with iodine and charred meats. The palate is juicy and elevated with fine grainy tannins pushing front to back. Blue fruit carries through with dusty bitter edged mocha and black olive too.

Drink now or tuck away in the cellar for another 5 plus years.

Alc Vol 13.3%  PH 3.58  TA 5.8