Wine Specs
Vintage
2006
Varietal
100% Shiraz
Appellation
McLaren Vale
Vineyard Designation
Little Falls, McLaren Vale
pH
3.65
Residual Sugar
6.62
Alcohol %
14.5
Shingleback D Block Shiraz 2006
Museum
In Stock
Good spring rains created strong canopies that helped to see the grapes through some hot January weather. The burst of heat reduced vigour and led to slow, even ripening. The result was the early development of rich, vibrant varietal flavour. After perfect conditions rains arrived just as the last berry was harvested. The benevolence of the "weather gods" meant that vintage was extremely orderly, but more importantly, resulted in highly aromatic and varietal wines with balanced acidity and fine tannins.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Deep red. Primary fruit aromas of blackberry and plum are embellished with nuances of couverture chocolate, blueberry and a slate-like minerality. A fresh compote of summer berries fills the mid-palate and overflows into the long finish that is complemented by finely textured French oak and hints of savoury development. A perfectly balanced and seamlessly integrated wine that expresses the essence of the vine, the time, the place and the harsh, black cracking clay over limestone soils that make up this unique corner of the Shingleback vineyard.
Vineyard Notes
Good spring rains created strong canopies that helped to see the grapes through some hot January weather. The burst of heat reduced vigour and led to slow, even ripening. The result was the early development of rich, vibrant varietal flavour. Whites were harvested from late February through to early March with the reds following on, and all fruit being in by the beginning of April. After perfect conditions rains arrived just as the last berry was harvested. The benevolence of the "weather gods" meant that vintage was extremely orderly, but more importantly, resulted in highly aromatic and varietal wines with balanced acidity and fine tannins.
Production Notes
*No animal products were used in the crafting of this wine.
Winemaker Notes
In a small niche of the Shingleback Vineyard, the soil, climate and Shiraz combine to create something special - the fruit that is ultimately hand crafted to become D Block Reserve Shiraz. Gentle hand working of the skins in small, 5 tonne open fermenters and traditional winemaking practices protect and nurture the unique qualities of the terroir. Very fine grained American and French oak hogsheads are used to allow a long, slow maturation of the wine and subtle oak integration. A combination of new and one year old barrels, crafted by select coopers to our requirements, are used to create nuances and diversity of flavour. When maturation and oak integration are perfect, individual barrels are selected and blended to create the fruit power, complexity and harmonious balance that is Shingleback D Block Reserve Shiraz.
Other Notes
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.