Tyrrell's Single Vineyard Old Hillside Shiraz 2018

Located in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Tyrrell's Old Hillside vineyard stretches across well-drained hillsides with clay-loam soils interspersed with sandstone and pebbles. Exposed to maritime influences from the Pacific coast, it benefits from cool breezes that temper the summer heat and promote a slow and even ripening of the grapes. This historic terroir, planted with old Shiraz vines, is renowned for producing elegant wines characterized by a beautiful natural freshness and a precise expression of fruit.

The Shiraz grapes from the Old Hillside plot are harvested at optimal ripeness, then destemmed before undergoing traditional fermentation in tanks, with regular pump-overs to extract color and tannins. After alcoholic fermentation and maceration, the wine is pressed and then transferred to oak barrels, primarily French, for extended aging. This allows the structure to develop, the oak to integrate, and the spicy character and fresh fruit typical of this Hunter Valley terroir to be preserved.

This wine reveals notes of blackberry , black plum , and black cherry , complemented by spicy touches of black pepper and licorice , as well as delicate woody accents of vanilla and cedar . Fresher nuances of violet and dried herbs add complexity. On the palate, the wine is full and silky, supported by balanced acidity, fine but present tannins, and a long, flavorful finish with spicy undertones.

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.