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NOTES
The Hillside vineyard had its beginnings in 1892, of those original 39 acres just 4 acres of gnarled original Block 6 Shiraz vines remain. With cuttings from Block 6 there was a small planting in 1969 (Block 4). Then in 1992 with cuttings from the 100 year old Block 6 Shiraz a systematic replanting of the eastern Hillside commenced with further replantings in 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2006. This is the 9th release of the Hillside Shiraz, the first being from the 1997 vintage, with grapes harvested in March 2005 and processed traditionally by open fermentation and basket pressing and then matured in American and Bulgarian oak casks for 28 months.
TASTING NOTES
The colour, a rich, deep vibrant purple/red, it displays an intense bouquet of mulberries, bramble berries, mocha chocolate, briar and star anise with a touch of vanilla. It leads to a palate of rich, ripe mouth feel of intense ripe fruit flavours with excellent fruit and oak integration. Mocha, cedar mulberry and vanilla flavours dominate with soft, ripe, round, chewy tannins leading to a long and lingering after palate. This delightful wine will develop with 7-8 years of bottle maturation and with good cellaring will live for many more years. Recommend decanting 1-2 hours prior to enjoying.
OTHER NOTES
Aromas of forest berries, mulberry, aniseed, new leather, a little black pepper and a fair amount of minty mocha oak. On the palate full bodied with blackberry and mulberry fruit, oriental spices, aniseed and new leather. It tastes dry, meaty and savoury but also has good fresh berry fruit. Plenty of strong fine tannins and warm alcohol. Good length of flavour with an aniseed and new leather aftertaste. A hulking, masculine wine of integrity and character.
Gary Walsh, Winorama September 22, 2007 - 93 Points
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