Hunter Valley

2014

Red Wine

Shiraz

750mL

13.5%

Screw Cap

BLACK was originally meant to be a one-off commemorative wine, the thinking being 2011 was a fantastic Shiraz vintage which coincided with our 20th release. 2014 came along and made us reconsider. 2014 just had to produce a BLACK.

The best barrels were selected from our 2014 vintage Shiraz sources, specifically looking for richness and balance, two important hallmarks of quality and ageing ability. The ‘Black Cluster’ and ‘Leonard Estate’ vineyards were the source for this vintage. Fermentation: All of our old-vine Shiraz is ultimately open fermented with daily plunging carried out. After 18 months of maturation in new and one year old French oak, BLACK was fined using egg whites and then bottled with moderate filtration.

Winemaker’s comments: 2014 is being acclaimed as the best Shiraz vintage since 1965. It is certainly the best we have been involved with in 24 years of winemaking and only time will tell if it lives up to the hype. All early indications are it will. We are mostly impressed with the impeccable balance displayed by the wines at a very young age. 2310 numbered 750ml bottles and 100 numbered 1500ml bottles.

A deep garnet bordering on crimson in colour. The nose is dense with apparent mocha and chocolate aromas. The palate is solidly medium bodied and oh so balanced. This wine has exceptional length of flavor with a lingering back palate.

This wine has all the characteristics that are required for further long term cellaring. Decanting is highly recommended prior to serving to allow the wine to be at its best.

Red meat dishes and aged cheeses.