Stone Dwellers

2016

Shiraz

Deep cherry red in colour, this wine epitomises cool-climate shiraz grown in the Strathbogie Ranges. On the nose, dark berry, plums and rhubarb meld with notes of nutmeg and black pepper. The palate is full bodied, with soft red fruits, spicy oak, supple tannins and a lovely finish.

Wine Making

2016 was one of ten warmest years on record in Victoria and yet another record for our planet! Rainfall was very low. This combination of conditions produced a year of moderate yields and early ripening. Our main wine making challenge was trying to find a balance between alcohol and flavour. We picked our Shiraz blocks in early March which was 2-3 weeks ahead of normal years. This early season means we had to allow sugar levels to get relatively high before we achieved the fruit flavour ripeness we like to see.

This majority of this wine was matured for up to 16 months using new French and American oak, with a smaller component (20%) spending time in old French puncheons (500L barrels). Enjoy now or cellar for up to 10 years.