2018 Collector Reserve Shiraz

The 2018 harvest season was marked by temperate weather that yielded ideal growing conditions for the Shiraz grapes. The dry and warm weather during summer was particularly beneficial, creating conditions that led to very modest yields. Despite this, the shiraz grapes that were harvested were of exceptional quality, with well-ripened tannins and pristine flavours.

The Shiraz grapes used to make this wine were grown on mature vines in elevated granitic loam sites near Murrumbateman. The use of mature vines, combined with the unique terroir of the region, contributed to the high quality of the grapes.

The grapes were carefully hand-harvested when they reached a Baumé of approximately 13. This ensured that the grapes were at their peak ripeness and ready to be transformed into wine. During fermentation, around 50% of the whole bunches were used in open fermenters, which were then worked by foot and rack/return. This traditional method of winemaking helped to bring out the full potential of the grapes, resulting in a wine that is rich in flavour and complexity.

After fermentation, the wine was matured in a mix of new and seasoned Allier and Tronçais oak barrels. The use of oak barrels adds depth and complexity to the wine, giving it a distinct character that is unique to the region. The individual parcels of wine were carefully monitored and blended to ensure that the final product was of the highest quality.

Finally, the wine was bottled in February 2019, and ready for consumption. The result is a wine that is rich and full-bodied, with a complex array of flavours and aromas. The use of traditional winemaking techniques and the unique terroir of the region have combined to produce a wine that is truly exceptional.