2006 Companions Shiraz Viognier
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Clare Valley & Adelaide Hills
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REGION
Clare Valley & Adelaide Hills, South Australia VINEYARDS
Shiraz
from the Tullymore vineyard in Clare was blended with a small parcel of
Viognier from the Edwards family’s Serendipity vineyard in the Adelaide
Hills. GROWING CONDITIONS
The
2006 growing season in the Clare Valley was widely considered to be
excellent, with good spring rains and a warm dry summer combining to
provide even and consistent vine growth and fruit ripening. A hot spell
in January gave way to mild weather during harvest. Similar conditions
were reported in the Adelaide Hills. WINEMAKING
The
Shiraz was fermented in open fermenters and pressed off to stainless
steel vats. It underwent malolactic fermentation in vat and was left on
its gross lees for approximately 12 months with the addition of premium
American oak staves. The lees were stirred only occasionally with the
wine then racked and blended with 10% Viognier prior to bottling.
WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES
A
gorgeous deep purple in colour. An intensely aromatic nose of mulberry,
white pepper and nutmeg with the Viognier adding a subtle ginger spice
lift. The palate is well balanced and generous bursting with sweet
berry fruit and chocolate notes. Smooth tannins frame this powerful
wine that lingers long on the palate. Although drinking well now, this
is a wine which will benefit from medium term cellaring.
RELEASED
June 2007
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