Regional Reserve
The Legend McLaren Vale Shiraz (Single Vineyard)
Grape variety
100% Shiraz
Alcohol by volume
14.5%
From a single site, near the township of Willunga, that is planted with 60 to 90 year old bush vines. After night harvesting, the Shiraz grapes were crushed into static fermenters. After a brief cold soak to extract colour and flavour, the must inoculated with Rhone Valley style yeast strain. Controlled fermentation occurred over ten days, commencing at 26°C reducing to 24°C. Gentle Pump-overs occurred six times daily to maximise the extraction of colour whilst retaining a soft juicy palate structure. Pump-overs were reduced to twice daily towards the end of fermentation to minimise seed tannin extraction. To avoid any harsh tannins and bitterness only free run and first pressings were used in this blend. After pressing, the wine was settled for three weeks before racking onto new French and American oak for 6 months.
Crooked Mick is a bushman from Australian folklore who lived in the mythical Speewah. A giant of a man, some say he could shear a massive number of sheep in no time flat, kick crocodiles up to the moon and move mountains. Tall tales or not, Crooked Mick is a legend as are the wines from McLaren Vale.
Tasting notes
Colour:
Deep dark cherry-red.
Nose:
Initially, plum & cherry fruits meshing with spicy notes (predominantly white pepper). Then the wine conjures chocolate, liquorice and crème brulee notes and forming a very intense and complex bouquet.
Palate:
Rich plum and dark berry bouquet harmoniously supported with savoury oak notes like caramel and light roast coffee beans. This full-bodied, powerful yet balanced Shiraz has a rich and ripe tannin structure that is going to allow it to age very well and add extra value to its elegance with time.
Food that complements this wine: Roasted red meats and vegetables, hearty Italian stews or a BBQ’d steak as you like it.