The Ensemble 2020
Co-fermented Shiraz Viognier
750ml
Released December 2022
A deep-coloured, full bodied but elegant textural shiraz style. There are lifted aromas of blood plum, sour cherry, and violets. The palate is generous with plum, white pepper, and dried herbs. The soft tannins and firm acidity hold the wine at the finish and will help the wine age for 10 years or more. This wine continues to have upfront regional appeal. It’s well balanced and deep and will reward with appropriate cellaring.
Awards:
92 Points (Silver Medal) - James Halliday Wine Companion 2023
Tasting Notes
The 2020 vintage
2020 was an unusual vintage. In a reversal of normal weather events, a hot and dry spring reverted to cooler weather and good rains in the latter half of the ripening season. The early heat impacted fruit-set, resulting in reduced yields, however the gentle lead-up to harvest reinvigorated the vines and gave us excellent grape quality.
The Vineyard
All fruit was sourced from our Estate’s Dowd’s Lane South block which is on the west side of the ridge. The vines are unirrigated and relatively low yielding. They are cane-pruned by hand and wrapped to a single wire trellis to encourage some bunch shading during the heat of summer.
The Winemaking
The 95% shiraz and 5% viognier were picked on the same day, with the relative quantities determined by weight, then destemmed, lightly crushed and co-combined in a large open fermenter with daily pump-over. After two weeks the must was basket-pressed and aged in a combination of new and old oak for 20 months prior to bottling.
Variety: 95% Shiraz co-fermented with 5% Viognier
Vintage: 2020
Harvest Date: 2nd March 2020
Vineyard Location: Dowd’s Lane South Block
Geology / Soil Profile: Deep, red rocky clay loam (derived from Cambrian Rock)
Viticulture Practices: Un-irrigated vineyards, zero tillage, grass sward between rows, cane pruned
Yields: <1 tonne/acre
Alcohol: 14.7%
pH: 3.8
Bottle Packaging: 750 ml punted burgundy
Closure: Stelvin ROTP Screwcap
Cartons: 6 bottles in branded cartons 1 x 6 stand-up.