Wheelwright Shiraz 2019

Located in the Eden Valley, in the heart of the Barossa region of South Australia, the Wheelwright vineyard originates from historic Henschke parcels planted on gently sloping hillsides. The soils are primarily composed of red and brown clay over a schist subsoil, providing good drainage and moderate water retention. The cool to moderately warm climate of the Eden Valley, influenced by the altitude, promotes a slow and even ripening of the Syrah grapes, resulting in a wine that combines aromatic concentration, natural freshness, and fine tannins.

The Shiraz grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, sorted, and destemmed before fermentation in open vats with regular pump-overs to extract color, aromas, and tannins. After alcoholic fermentation and maceration, the wine is pressed and then transferred to barrels for malolactic fermentation. It is then aged in oak barrels, predominantly French and sometimes American, for an extended period to refine the tannic structure, develop aromatic complexity, and harmoniously integrate the oak before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of blackberry , black plum , and black cherry , underpinned by floral nuances of violet and rose petal . Hints of spices such as black pepper , nutmeg, and clove mingle with woody accents of cedar and vanilla. The palate displays a dense and silky texture, fresh acidity, fine yet structured tannins, and a long, lingering finish with spicy aftertastes.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.