From the Tarraford vineyard in Tarrawarra which celebrates its 25th birthday this year. 100% whole bunch, hand-picked, ambient yeast “Pied de Cuve” in the base of each tank…which basically means a little starter culture created from crushed harvest samples. 14 months in new and used French Puncheons then 3-4 months in stainless steel. A lot of attention to detail in short. Uses a clone known as the Red Dog, seemingly unique to the site. It’s a Yarra Valley take on Shiraz, by which I mean it’s pretty much made like Pinot.
Smoky cherried flavour, lots of pepper, wilted violets and earth. Fragrant and haunting, savoury and refreshing. Granite-like minerality is evident in a truly fine, ripe set of textured tannins. Echoes long on a sour black, pippy cherry finish. All class. Didn’t falter over two days of tasting. Would love to see it again in five to ten years. 94
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $60
Tasted: June 2013
Great note JP. Sums up the wine very well. I had this at the cellar door last Friday and could not resist taking some home. As you say, it can only get better and I can’t wait to have a look at it again in five years.
Thanks Steve. I’ve long held belief that the Tarraford vineyard was a particularly distinguished site but I had no idea it could produce Shiraz of this quality. Will be trying to budget for some of this and the 2011 Mea Culpa Chardonnay myself. Relatively little made, especially of the latter.