2019 Estate Shiraz

Technical Details

Harvest Date 3rd March, 2019 | Alcohol 14.4% | Standard Drinks 8.5

Wine Makers

Marc Scalzo and Jonathon Thompson

Maturation

Viognier 3% was added prior to fermentation to add complexity and provide some delicate floral notes whilst deepening the colour. Grapes were slowly fermented to dry over 3 weeks and softly pressed off skins, wine was then put through malolactic fermentation. Matured in 30% new, 70% 2yr-5yr old French oak for 20 months prior to blending and bottling. the wine is a soft, medium-bodied Shiraz with plush tannins, length and generosity of flavours.

Background

The Shiraz was the second variety planted at Mt Pilot Estate in 1995. It was planted on two root stocks Paulsen and Ruggeri. The rootstock, whilst selected for Phyloxera control, saved this part of the vineyard during drought of 2005 – 2009. The Shiraz clone is believed to be from an 1880 clone that is known as a perennial high quality grape with low yields. The Shiraz has been able to survive for 5 years without irrigation in some of the hottest summers on record. The vines in 2016 cropped at ~3000kg /ha and are spur pruned, with the west side of the canopy left to sprawl and give protection from the afternoon sun and the east side lifted with wires to let the morning sun in.

Vintage Description

The 2019 growing season started off dry with poor soil moisture and a warmish start to bud burst and some early supplementary irrigation that continued throughout vintage. The vineyard due to the nature of the vintage was restrained in its growth with a lighter fruit set and small berries. There was no disease pressure throughout the vintage due to the seasonal conditions. The ripening period was characterized by a slow even ripening with some warmer weather towards the end of Vintage. The vines remained healthy and disease free.