2022 Basket Pressed Shiraz

A rich and beautifully balanced Margaret River Shiraz, bursting with dark plum, blackberry and warm spice, with hints of chocolate and fine, silky tannins. Hand-plunged, traditionally basket pressed and matured for 15 months in French and American oak, the 2022 vintage is generous and full of character, with lovely freshness, complexity and a long, lingering finish.

Colour: Deep, inky crimson.

Aroma: Subtle yet alluring, with lifted raspberry and plum, hints of five-spice and a touch of vanilla.

Palate: Rich and generous, with dark plum, blackberry and star anise. Concentrated fruit gives way to dark chocolate, refreshing acidity and fine, cocoa-powder tannins, finishing juicy, long and beautifully balanced.

Vinification: Both Shiraz blocks were harvested on the night of 25 March 2022. A portion of juice was drained from the whole berries for Rosé production, before the remaining fruit was cold soaked for 24 hours to build colour and concentration.

Fermentation took place in separate open-top fermenters, with the fruit hand plunged three times daily over 11 days before being gently basket pressed. The wine then completed malolactic fermentation in tank before being transferred to 300L hogsheads and 500L puncheons for maturation.

After six months, the wine underwent a rack and return, allowing the barrels to be cleaned and helping to soften the tannins. The final blend was assembled after 15 months in oak, with 34% new French and American oak contributing structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Bottled in November 2023, just 244 dozen were produced.

Viticulture: Our 15-acre vineyard is managed using sustainable biological practices, with a focus on healthy soils, balanced vines and producing the best possible fruit each season.

Seaweed and fish-emulsion foliar fertilisers are used alongside elemental sulphur and copper sprays for disease prevention. Grape marc is composted with mulch and manure before being returned to the vineyard, while cover crops of clover, peas and ryegrass provide natural nitrogen and organic matter.

Careful canopy management, including hedging and leaf plucking, helps regulate sunlight exposure and airflow, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly while retaining freshness and balance.

Harvest: 25 March 2022

Alcohol: 13.8%

Production: 244 dozen

Oak Maturation: 15 months, 34% new French and American oak

Bottled: November 2023