Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vine Shiraz 2014

x Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vine Shiraz 2014

The 2014 growing season had a wet beginning and then average winter rainfall. A very dry spring followed, and with no rain after November. Two heatwaves in January were alleviated by 40mm of rain on the 14th of February which beautifully freshened the vineyard. Hand picked about 3/4 tonne of Shiraz from the Ancestor Vines Block on March 6th. The fruit was destemmed and crushed before fermentation in a small open fermenter for 18 days with hand plunging three times per day. After fermentation was complete, the wine remained on skins for two weeks before being basket pressed and transferred to second fill French oak barriques. The Ancestor Vines Shiraz spent nearly two years in barrel before being fined, filtered and bottled in February 2016. The 2014 has been matured in bottle in perfect cellar conditions prior to release. This wine will drink beautifully upon release but will further reward careful cellaring for many years to come.

Medium deep crimson. Fragrant dark plum, dark red cherry, praline aromas with roasted chestnut, wood varnish notes. Generously concentrated with unfolding dark plum, dark cherry, blackberry fruits, sinuous but muscular firm tannins, lovely mid palate density and underly mocha, hint marzipan notes. Becomes more minerally at final approach, with a fine loose knit tannin plume. Excellent wine showing power and elegance. Drink now – 2036. 96 points Andrew Caillard MW The Wine Journal.