2016 Leasingham Classic Clare Shiraz

Deep purple with crimson edge. Complex aromatics with pronounced red fruit and black currant aromas with choc mint, liquorice and subtle cedar spice tones. Rich, dense and vibrant, the palate has red currants, plum and blackberry with a core of dark chocolate, aniseed and hints of mint, mocha and cedar. The wine is intense and long with a silky texture, great balance and finishes with extremely fine tannins.

Established in 1893, Leasingham has been an integral part of the Clare Valley for over 100 years. Today, we select only our most outstanding wines for release under the premium Classic Clare label. Consistent show success rewards the depth and integrity of these distinctly regional wines. A cool & wet start to the growing season led to some variation across the district with bud burst & canopy growth. A warm spring however moved things along and by early January it was clear that an early ripening year was upon us. Good to excellent vine canopies & moderate yields let to rapid ripening and accumulation of flavour in Shiraz fruit. A rapid & fast paced vintage of small quantity with very high quality. Vintage 2016 proved to be quite unique with high quality fruit being delivered to the winery with well above average yields. Cool winter and warm spring was preceded by a late rainfall event that boosted vine growth and refreshed soils. Closer to harvest bumper crops were aided into ripening by mild-summer temperatures and sporadic rain. Picking at optimum maturity has resulted in wines which display vibrant bright colours with ripe flavour profiles, rounded flavoursome palates and soft fine tannins