Red Knot Classified McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 (Australia)

Red Knot Classified McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 (Australia)Full bodied Blackberry & plum Chocolate & vanilla Velvety tannins Deep purple red. Fragrant primary blackberry aromas are highlighted with notes of crystalized violets, milk chocolate and vanilla oak. Dark berry and satsuma plum flavours fill the palate; shaped and focused by velvety tannins and a fresh, natural acidity into the long finish. A full bodied, estate McLaren Vale Shiraz, expressive of typical varietal purity and length of flavour. The

• Full-bodied
• Blackberry & plum
• Chocolate & vanilla
• Velvety tannins

Deep purple red. Fragrant primary blackberry aromas are highlighted with notes of crystalized violets, milk chocolate and vanilla oak. Dark berry and satsuma plum flavours fill the palate; shaped and focused by velvety tannins and a fresh, natural acidity into the long finish. A full bodied, estate McLaren Vale Shiraz, expressive of typical varietal purity and length of flavour.

The region has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters, dry summers and plenty of sunshine. The proximity to St Vincent Gulf, coincidentally named after the patron saint of winemakers, benefits fruit quality with warmer spring and autumn conditions and cooler summers. McLaren Vale is renowned as a premium wine region of great beauty that consistently produces high quality, richly flavoured wines.

After a dry start to winter we had good rainfall, ending up 10% above the long term averages, flushing and filling soil profiles to saturation. Although a mid-September bud burst was later than recent vintages it was in line with long term averages. Spring rainfall was well below average, resulting in low disease pressure. Average day and night spring temperatures were close to record highs, resulting in steady vine shoot growth, catching up some ground after the later bud burst. We had 10mm of rain on December 1st and another 15 mm on December 15th, freshening the vines during early berry development. With only 6 mm of rain in January and 5 mm in February summer rainfall ended up only two thirds of the average. Drier and warmer than average conditions continued through March and April resulting in a disease free and orderly progression to vintage, allowing time for the potential of each batch of grapes to be maximised in the winery. Shiraz harvest, other than a small parcel for fortified, was completed on March 24th. The reds are full bodied and deeply coloured, showing intense fruit flavour with big round chewy tannins. Simply an outstanding vintage with the promise to be rated as one of the great years for McLaren Vale.