2021 Area Blend Shiraz

The Australian winemaking tradition of multi-regional blending is on show here, with all three regions being on show and complimenting each other. The Hunter Valley fruit makes up the majority of this wine. Pokolbin had reached its annual rainfall by the end of October and we ended up receiving 1030mm for 2020. It is difficult to recall a year where we have been closer to the edge of disaster in the Hunter Valley, with the prospect of not picking either whites or reds becoming a real possibility with a few more wet days in late December. Thankfully the sun came out and all of our Hunter fruit was picked by the 23rd of February, resulting in fine, fragrant Shiraz. Beechworth received sufficient winter rainfall in 2020, which saw the vines off to a good budburst and crop set. We received 140mm of rain in January which delayed the start of picking but the weather cleared from then on, with harvest commencing under clear skies. McLaren Vale had an outstanding season in vintage 2021. The season had average rainfall coupled with favourable ripening during February and early March allowed perfectly ripe tannins.