2018 Riesling Block Shiraz
2018 Riesling Block Shiraz
Our Riesling Block vineyard was first planted in 1919 to a mixture of varieties. In the late 1970s it was planted to riesling before eventually grafted across to shiraz is the late 1980s.
The resulting wine is always rich and powerful, and in 2018 it was one of our top performing blocks albeit with miniscule yields. Full, intense and richly flavoured shiraz.
“Mulberries and plums meld with red liquorice and spicy oak, complex and primary. A wine of tremendous vitality, raspberry and plum fruits glide across the palate, a tease of mocha, high-toned acidity adds freshness. Modern in its elegance while celebrating the region. Very good indeed. 94 points" - Huon Hooke
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Shiraz
Acid
6.71g/L
pH
3.46
Residual Sugar
0.4g/L
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The nose shows ferrous notes with dark spice and intense dark fruit. This is always a muscular wine with the tannins adding great persistence to the palate. Bitter chocolate, dark cherry and clove spice combine in this richly flavoured wine. Cellar confidently for 10-15 years.
Vineyard Notes
The winter and spring of 2016 was one of the wettest on record which delayed flowering. By early summer we had some periods of good warm weather which encouraged growth, but vintage was still looking a month behind 2016 and more in line with an old-fashioned vintage. Several rainfall events in January further delayed vintage and had the vineyard team working hard. Thankfully the warm and dry weather returned, and the harvest proceeded at a leisurely and relaxed pace allowing a long ripening time for maximum flavour development. The wines look outstanding.
Winemaker Notes
A block that is always singled out by viticulturists and in 2017, this block was a highlight from the moment the fruit came into the winery.
Food Pairing Notes
Serve with a dark soy beef rib. Will benefit from decanting prior to serving.
Other Notes
Our Windmill Hill vineyard was planted in 1998 on a gentle west facing slope and generally produces wines of structural intensity and depth of flavour.