Mount Edelstone Museum Release 2013

Sourced from the historic Mount Edelstone vineyard in the Eden Valley region, this wine originates from the cool hills overlooking the Barossa River in South Australia. The vineyard, situated at a moderate altitude, benefits from cool nights and sunny days, promoting slow and even ripening of the grapes. The ancient soils, predominantly sandy and loamy over schist bedrock, impart structure and finesse to the wine. This combination of cooler climate and poorer soils allows for the precise expression of the aromatic character and depth typical of this terroir.

Shiraz grapes from old vines on Mount Edelstone are hand-harvested, sorted, and destemmed before undergoing traditional fermentation in open vats with regular pump-overs for gentle extraction. After alcoholic fermentation and maceration, the wine is pressed and then transferred to barrels for malolactic fermentation and extended aging in oak casks, a combination of French and American oak, before final blending, bottling, and further aging in the estate's cellars for this "Museum Release."

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , plum , and blackberry , supported by floral nuances of violet and spicy touches of pepper, licorice, and clove. Refined oak accents, reminiscent of cedar and vanilla, mingle with a subtle earthy character. On the palate, the texture is ample and silky, carried by fresh acidity, fine yet present tannins, and a long, flavorful, and harmonious finish that prolongs the spicy and fruity flavors.

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.