Select parcels of fruit from Shiraz vines grown across the Davey Estate Vineyard are handcrafted to maximise the potential of each unique batch.
This Shiraz has 28 medals and accreditations, most notably five gold medals.
- Gold Medal - 2016 Selections Mondiales des Vins
- Gold Medal - 2016 CWSA
- Gold Medal - 2017 Royal Queensland Wine Show
- Gold Medal - 2017 Melbourne International Wine Competition
- Gold Medal - 2017 Sydney Royal Wine Show
- Gold Medal - 2017 Royal Adelaide Wine Show
- 95 Points - 2017 Halliday Wine Companion
A record number of 40˚C+ days along with high winds during the growing season challenged
growers. Establishing good canopy early, along with critical timing of supplementary irrigation,
was essential. This was managed to near perfection by Michael and the vineyard team.
Harvest started early on Feb 5 with the McLaren Vale whites being completed before the rain on
the 13th of February. McLaren Vale again proved why it is the most reliable wine grape district in
the world with less than 50mm of rain falling at the Davey Estate, compared to more than 125mm
north of Adelaide. Luckily the rain caused no damage and helped extend the ripening period. With
the rain someone flicked the switch and turned off summer. The temperate dry autumn weather
that followed was ideal allowing us to harvest as the fruit hit perfection. In the winery the longer
than usual 6 week harvest window for reds allowed Dan to maximise the opportunities for extended
ferments. Vintage 2014 has turned out well after an admittedly nervous start, giving us a very diverse and bright palette to paint the pictures that are our wines.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Vibrant, deep magenta. Fragrant blackberry, cherry and raspberry aromas are highlighted with hints of milk chocolate and vanilla. The luscious berry-filled palate is complemented with floral notes and focused by silky tannins and subtle cedar oak.
Ratings
Huon Hooke
realreview.com
Deep, dark purple/red colour. Black plum and blackberry aromas dominate, fruit driving it, but there are spice and vegetal touches too and it's not simplistic. The tannins are very evident, bold and ample, but not astringent. A very smart, full-bodied and cellarworthy shiraz.
92 pts
Awards
Trophy:
2022 Sydney Royal Wine Show. Drinks Association Perennial Trophy for Best Shiraz.
Gold medals:
2021 Melbourne International Wine Competition (95 pts)
2021 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, class 30 (96 pts)
2021 Selections Mondiales des Vins, Canada
2021 NZ International Wine Show, class 18a
Silver medals:
2020 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, class 29
2021 Decanter World Wine Awards, UK
2021 Perth Royal Wine Awards, class 27
2021 McLaren Vale Wine Show, class 9
2021 Royal Hobart Wine Show, class 18
2021 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, class 36
94 pts: Winestate Magazine, Shiraz Challenge, Sept/Oct 2021
Vineyard Notes
A dry winter required early strategic supplementary irrigation on the Davey Estate to assist with
bud burst and early canopy growth. Flowering and berry set were good and crops appeared
slightly above average. A hail event and strong winds on the 21st of November damaged newly
formed bunches particularly on the western side of vines. Damaged bunches shriveled off and
vines recovered but crop levels were reduced. Warm dry weather continued through the season
resulting in low disease pressure.
Summer was generally hot with a record high of 46.6˚C occurring. Vines weathered this
surprisingly well with minimal damage to fruit. Although on average yields ended up down,
quality was good with strong varietal flavours and structural elements. Gentle working of the skins
in the winery tempered the naturally high fruit tannins of the vintage.
Harvest commenced in the second week of February with Pinot Noir for Rosé and by the end of
the month the Tempranillo and early Shiraz for red was fermenting. Picking finished on the 29th of
March with a young Touriga Nacional block.
Production Notes
*No animal products were used in the crafting of this wine.
Winemaker Notes
Select parcels of fruit from Shiraz vines grown across the Davey Estate Vineyard are handcrafted to maximise the potential of each unique batch. Maturation for 15 months in 1 - 5 year old, fine-grained American (70%) and French (30%) oak hogsheads softens, enhances and integrates the fruit and structural components of the wine. Individual barrel selection is carried out to create the final blend.
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.
