2018 Grenache Syrah Mataro
This classic southern Rhone blend bursts with aromas of mulberry and cherry confection over notes of fragrant violets and myrtle pepper. The inclusion of a high percentage of whole clusters in this stellar vintage provides extra lift to the nose with sweetened chai spice aromas, perfectly balanced by a touch of dry herbs and savoury jamon. The palate is initially juicy and sweet, combining crunchy red plums and red liquorice from the Grenache, with Syrah and Mataro adding structure, spice and savouriness. The finish is persistent with layers of cocoa, coffee liqueur and a frame of firm but fine tannins.
In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Grenache | Syrah | Mataro
Harvest Date
12 - 15th March
Acid
5.4 g/L
pH
3.7
Alcohol %
14.2
Wine Profile
Awards
"Love the style of this wine. Most (black) peppery, most clovey, lots of nuts and roasted goodness, but also fresh, well-ripened, silken berried fruit and a fine-grained spread of tannin to boot. Perfectly balanced, littered with woodsy spice notes, the epitome of finesse all round" 94 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front 2019
Vineyard Notes
100% Hazel’s Vineyard. Our southernmost vineyard which is more inland than our Burnside and Calgardup vineyards. Hazel’s combines cooling Southern Ocean influences with a northerly aspect and plenty of sunshine.
Winemaker Notes
A blend of Grenache,Syrah and Mataro from our Hazel’s vineyard. Each parcel was harvested and vinified separately using wild yeast in vertical 4 tonne stone fermenters with no temperature control. Grenache was fermented with 100% whole clusters, while only 20% of the Syrah were whole clusters. Mataro was destemmed but not crushed. The fruit spent between 8-14 days on skins before being gently pressed directly into large format oak casks for malolactic fermentation in our underground cellar. The wines remained unsulphured over winter and were racked for the first time at the beginning of spring when they received a minimal sulphur addition. We blended this wine in late December and only gave it a coarse filtration before bottling.
Other Notes
Vintage Report - Preceded by perfect growing conditions in Spring, the 2018 vintage in Margaret River was one of the most classical in recent memory. 20mm of rain at the end of January was well received by our dry grown vineyards. Warm days and cool nights resulted in amazing fruit purity and flavour with balanced acid in our whites. Temperatures warmed up towards the end of March, accelerating the ripening of our reds, giving us incredible flavour concentration with optimal acid and tannin levels. The exceptional quality of our fruit resulting from this vintage has been perfectly reflected in our 2018 wines.