Steeple Jack South Australian Shiraz 2014
In true Steeple Jack tradition, this shiraz is full of character. Blackberries, stewed fruits, hints of mocha and lifted vanillin on the nose, a full soft fruit driven palate followed by a touch of spice and white pepper with a lingering smooth finish.
VINTAGE 2014
Wet, cold, wind, heat, wet, cold - in that order - one of the most challenging, yet potentially rewarding, vintages since 2011. Restricted spring vine growth due to cool wet conditions meant the usual canopy management techniques were abandoned early in the season, and a ‘wait and see policy’ was adopted until the soils warmed a little more. November winds arrived with force and continued through to flowering. These winds placed more pressure on the vines as they coincided with cloudy days, creating less than ideal conditions for pollination and canopy growth. Relief came mid December and the vines released all their pent up energy in a frenzy of unprecedented growth. High temperatures were experienced in South Australia during January 13th - 18th; however, we were spared somewhat as lower night time temperatures and lower “heat time” duration in the days enabled the vines greater respite. The weather then reverted to its pre heat wave behaviour and cool cloudy conditions delayed ripening. Reds were picked each side of Easter into the first week in May. 2009 was the last heat affected vintage - typically the reds from that vintage were early drinking styles. The major difference between 2009 and 2014 is that 2009 was an extremely compressed vintage, over in 8 weeks. 2014 was a protracted vintage, one of the longest we have experienced and subsequently the wines of 2014 are already showing better structure and character than the 2009.
ALCOHOL 14.5%
REGION South Australia
COMPOSITION Shiraz 100%
pH 3.45
TA 6.74