This old vine Shiraz is sourced from a single vineyard in the Lyndoch Ranges, in the south-west of the Barossa Valley. The fruit is fermented 20% whole bunch with the balance destemmed but not crushed. The wine is then hand plunged twice daily for three weeks before being pressed to French oak (50% new) hogsheads and aged on lees for 18 months before bottling without fining or filtration.
From 50yo vines in Lyndoch, 20% whole bunches. Matured 18 months in 40% new French oak hogsheads. Unfined and unfiltered. 384 bottles. Miniscule production of larger-than-life Lyndoch shiraz. A wine of considerable concentration, drive and determination. All the black fruits and dark chocolate oak to be expected, with a spicy whole-bunch overlay. Fine, full tannins rise to the challenge, supporting a bright finish, elevated to the next level by exceptional line and length.
96 points, Wine Companion (January 2021)
Colonel William Light, the South Australian colony’s Surveyor-General, named the Barossa in 1837 after the site of an English victory over the French in the Spanish Peninsular War. In the mid-1800’s Silesian and English immigrants settled in the area. The Barossa itself comprises two distinct sub-regions: Eden Valley and the warmer Barossa Valley floor at 270m.The Barossa Valley enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers and relatively low rainfall. Cool sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent modify the temperature, however hot northerly winds can occasionally dominate creating considerable vine stress. Many older established vineyards are dry-grown, but supplementary irrigation is also extensively used. The valley is comprised of rich brown soils and alluvial sands. A long history of uninterrupted viticulture in the area means the Barossa valley is home to Australia’s largest concentration of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre with many over 100 years old. Although most famous for Shiraz, the Barossa can also produce fragrant and deliciously fruity Grenache blends and beautifully rich, chocolatey Cabernet Sauvignons.
