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2019 Durif
$33.00
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Technical Details
Harvest Date 12 March 2019 | Alcohol 13.8%
Maturation
Matured in 33% new and 66% 2yr – 5yr old seasoned French hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.
Background
The Durif was the first variety planted in 2000 at Mt Pilot Estate. It was planted on one root stock Swartzman. The drought of 2005 – 2009 reduced the planting to such a small number that survived that we pulled out the block as being unviable. In 2017, we grafted over 1 Ha of shiraz on Poulson rootstock. The yields are very light and with the vines cropping at 1500kg / Ha. They are spur pruned with the west side of the canopy left to sprawl and the east side lifted with wires to let the morning sun in.
Vintage
After a cool and dry winter, budburst was later in North East Victoria than in previous years. With a mild and dry October and November flowering took place a little later than normal. During December, the season warmed significantly with very hot conditions, in particular over the festive period. There was no significant respite from this heat until the end of January. Surprisingly, vintage began on average at the start of February, just as an uncharacteristic cool spell hit, resulting in temperatures much lower for the first two weeks of harvest. Some supplementary irrigation was added. Yields were generally 2500 kg to the HA back to our long term average.
Wine Description
After being handpicked the small berries were chilled when the hit the winery with a cool ferment taking 12 days.. The resulting Durif has a vibrant burgundy colour with length and flavour. It has a medium bodied palate with length, ripe fruit sweetness, and silky soft tannins. It is recommended to be served with red meat such as lamb shoulder, pork, game bird or lamb loin chops.
Cellaring Potential
A very good vintage to 2028 some cellaring will be rewarded.