2018 Roennfeldt Road Shiraz

The vines were planted in the 1960s on hard clays mixed with deep alluvial loam. Vine age gives a density to the wine via small bunches and a strong tannin structure, which needs time to mellow. The clone, which we think came from South Africa, gives crimson wines with a dark-berry fruit spectrum and hints of spice and liquorice. 

The wine used to spend three years in barrel but we cut that down to two in 2018 to promote a more satisfying harmony between complexity, mellow tannins and fresh fruit.

In 2018 we used 25% new oak, all American from the A.P. John cooperage. 

The nose is enormously complex, from violet top notes down to chocolatey depths and everything in between. Rich mulberry and black cherries, prune, honey, star anise, malt, chocolate. It’s muscular but not boisterous on the palate, peeling the layers as it runs very long with black fruits, cherry liqueur and mead spices clinging to fine, dusty tannins.

Cellaring recommendation: 10-15 years