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NOTES
The Hillside vineyard had its beginnings in 1992 when cuttings from the 100 year old gnarled vines of Block 6 were planted on the eastern hillside of the Amery property - further plantings of the Block 6 clone took place in 1993, 1997, 1998 and 1999. The 2003 Hillside Shiraz grapes were harvested in March, traditionally processed (open fermentation and basket pressing) and will have aged in new American oak casks for 28 months prior to bottling in late July 2005.
TASTING NOTES
The colour, a deep cherry black leads into a bouquet of sweet fruit perfume of black cherries, blackberries, white pepper and spices over subtle toasty oak. The palate is a rich, round, soft, voluptuous, fruit driven Shiraz with a hint of confectionery sweetness in the background. A very approachable full bodied combination of blueberries, plum, Ribena, mocha chocolate, spice box, vanilla and pepper fill the palate with pleasurable flavours and the balanced soft tannin finish has both length and persistence. Excellent cellaring potential. 15% alc/vol.
OTHER NOTES
More tarry, chewy, and fleshy, the 2003 Shiraz Hillside has a bit more punch (15% alcohol) as well as a sappy character that is not present in the regular bottling. It is a broad, savory, expansively flavored, full bodied Shiraz to enjoy over the next decade.
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate Issue 161
Aromas of plum/dark cherry, cocoa, coconut, vanilla, spice, menthol and grass. Full bodied rich ripe palate with flavours of plum, dark cherry, chocolate and vanilla. Again there is a sweet grassy character which I find attractive in this wine. Soft fine grained tannins. Bitter chocolate and spice finish. Deluxe, plush and very satisfying - rather like sitting in your favourite armchair. That is, of course, if you have one. If you don’t please use imagination.
Gary Walsh, Winorama July 27 2006 - 92 Points
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