James Halliday Wine Companion 2021

90 / 100

Sourced from the Old Paulownia Vineyard (planted 1973), picked and fermented with 20% whole bunches, 15 months in French oak (45% new). Concentrated cassis and raspberry cordial - in a good way - with fruit pastille, anise and spice. The palate is full, soft and juicy. Soft, ripe tannins ride the fruit wave with a touch of friendly Coonawarra eucalypt to close.

Wine Details

• Region Coonawarra, South Australia
• Vintage 2018
• Type Red Wine
• Variety Shiraz
• Volume 750ml
• Alcohol Volume 14.5%
• PH

  3.54

• Acidity

  6.8g/l

• Closure ScrewCap
• Background

  The Balnaves Coonawarra Vineyard was established in 1975, and is situated at the southern end of the Coonawarra Terra strip.

  The family has been associated with the district since 1855 and Doug, Annette, Kirsty and Pete Balnaves remain fully committed to a high level of ‘hands-on’ involvement.

• Winemaking

  Vintage 2018 was warm and relatively early. Made entirely from our 1973 planted Old Paulownia Shiraz vineyard, fruit was picked and fermented with 20% whole bunches, followed by 15 months in 45% new and seasoned French oak.

• Bouquet

  Deep red in colour with perfumed whole bunch red and black mulberry fruits, plush with integrated vanilla and coffee oak notes.

• Palate

  The palate is bright fruited with blackberry and mulberry fruit spice and black pepper notes. Light to medium bodied with a long, balanced tannin finish. An elegant old vine Shiraz from an excellent vintage.

• Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential

  This wine will reward from careful cellaring and we recommend decanting before drinking.

• Awards

  Shiraz Awards.pdf