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Back to winesView a PDF of this page2004 'Terracotta' Shiraz Wine Notes Wine NotesBackground:Terracotta wines get their name from the soils on which the fruit is grown. These red clay soils are renowned for their lo fertility thus reducing the yield of the wine and increasing fruit concentration. Fruit Source:This wine is made from a single vineyard in the heart of Pokolbin. This 13 year old vineyard is un-irrigated and located behind the 'Graveyard' vineyard on the 'terracotta' coloured clay soils of the area. Fermentation & Maturation:6% Viognier fruit was added to the Shiraz and allowed to co-ferment in 2 tonne open vats. When fermentation had ceased, the wine was then pressed out and transferred into a combination of 70% 1 year old and 30% new French oak and matured for 20 months. Winemakers Comments:1 tonne per acre was the yield from the 'terracotta' shiraz vineyard in 2004. The lingering effects of the drought conditions during 2003 and a hot ripening period produced low yields of ripe clean fruit. The fruit was harvested before any rain damage. Mid crimson on colour, the nose has plum, raspberry and spice as well as a floral lift from the Viognier. The palate is medium bodied with blackberry, raspberry and cherry characters. The tannins are fine and supple and the finish is savoury and dry. Cellaring:Medium term 8-10 years What the experts say
"Lovely textural, spicy wine, even and balanced and interesting. Blessed with a savoury, earthy, sandy profile and liftedby floral aromatics, it's the kind of wine you can pop open and hook straightinto and get the enjoyment running from the outset. I had no problem polishing it off. It lacks both a bit of X-factor, and concentration, for higher points, but serve this and I will drink it everytime". Drink: 2006-2011
Rated: 92 points - Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front - September 2006
"This has 8% viognier co-fermented with the shiraz but you don’t notice it too much in the blend. Mercifully the effect is mainly textural rather than aromatic. Aromas of plum, raspberry/blackberry, spice, struck match, white flowers and toasty oak. On the palate medium bodied with fresh blackberry/raspberry, vanilla and charry oak. Fine dry tannins. Dry raspberry and toast finish. Tasted over two days with the best performance being given on opening night."
Rated: 91 points - Gary Walsh - Winorama - September 2006
"Quite an intriguing nose. All the hallmarks of Hunter Shiraz, with that potent earthy/shoe leather/crushed spice facade, together with the extra component of lifted florals and dried fruit mix, courtesy of the viognier component. This is very medium bodied, even elegant, but the fruit is stylish and flavoured with savoury leanings, and there is that slightly racy , bright edge to the finish that a dash of viognier often lends. All up it is a lovely wine, a drinkers wine. The pricing is challenging but reflective of Meerea Park's high ambitions.".
Rated 92 points - Grant Dodd - The Wining Pro - October 2006
"The aroma and flavour complexity is enhanced by the 6% viognier; blackberry, dark chocolate and that touch of apricot; soft and satisfying finish. Controlled use of french oak". Rating 94.
James Halliday - 2008 Wine Companion |
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