(P.C) Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2009
Our McNicol Shiraz is carefully selected from a handful of the best vineyards in Clare Valley.
Each of these meticulously chosen sites must exhibit the same traits - mature, dry grown, low yielding vineyards – in order to result in a wine of optimal aging potential.
We work closely with generational grape growers for two important reasons: to secure the very best possible fruit; and also, to do our part to ensure multi-generational agriculture continues to flourish in Clare Valley.
Tasting Note
A dark inky red with a fragrant spicy perfume lift on the nose.
The palate is complex with a youthful display of dark fruit, while an exotic spice and fresh acidity elegantly balances the fine tannins.
The chocolate, dark berry and spice notes are typical of Clare Valley Shiraz, and so is the delightful thrill of fresh red berries.
Vineyard Region
Clare Valley Shiraz is recognised for the purity of its fruit.
Although the wines certainly offer power and tannic structure, there’s freshness and elegance too due largely to the elevation of the region at 400-500m above sea level.
Higher elevation preserves acidity and, in many ways, simply makes it easier to produce more interesting Shiraz.
Growing Conditions
Good rainfall in early winter and proceeding well timed rain events in November and December had the vines in great shape heading into 2008 vintage.
A cooler than normal summer provided excellent conditions for ripening and flavour development in the Shiraz, which was picked earlier than normal in February.
Good yields and intense ripe flavours are the hallmark of the vintage.
Winemaking
This wine is selected during vintage from individual parcels of Shiraz that show some distinctive characters suited to aging.
Largely whole bunch fermented with natural yeasts, it is aged in tight grained 500 litre French oak barrels for two years in our humidified cellar before being estate bottled, then aged in bottle for a further six years prior to release.