1.5L 2014 1921 Vines Old Paddock Shiraz
Maurice O'Shea planted the Old Paddock vineyard when he took ownership of Mount Pleasant in 1921. These original Shiraz vines are now nearly 100 years old, and still produce exceptional fruit for this single vineyard wine.
Shiraz
2014
About this Wine
Region
Hunter Valley, NSW
Winemaker
Jim Chatto
Colour
Deep purple
Aroma
A combination of black and red fruits with lovely supporting savory elements.
Growing Conditions
After the hot dry end to 2013, near perfect January weather has resulted in an outstanding vintage of intensity and wonderful balance. 2014 will be remembered as one of the Hunter Valley's greatest vintages.
Palate
Intense fruits linger effortlessly on the palate, supported by lovely acidity and a great tannin profile.
Vinification/Maturation
Taken from the first vineyard planted by Maurice O'Shea, the Old Paddock is a perfect site for Shiraz. Sheltered from the afternoon sun and winds, the rows run North to South and produce exceptional fruit from nearly 100 year old vines. The fruit was hand-picked and delivered to the winery before destemming and crushing into small open top fermenters. A short cold soak followed by an 8 day fermentation before pressing to nearly 30% new large format French Oak. The wine was then transferred to tank before bottling.
Alcohol/Vol
14%
pH
3.38
Acidity
7.5
Food Matches
Slow cooked brisket with roasted vegetables
Peak Drinking
Will reward careful cellaring for up to 50 years
Professional Reviews
97 points - James Halliday
2016 Halliday Wine Companion
"Hand-picked, destemmed and crushed into small open fermenters with a short cold soak, then an 8-day fermentation, matured in large-format French oak. A powerful, but immaculately balanced shiraz, blackberry fruit within a gauze of ripe, positive tannins. The breed and lineage of the wine is razor sharp, the length and balance impeccable. Like its siblings, it's easy to say the flavours have some savoury characters, much harder to condense and describe their unique nature."
94 points - Huon Hooke
The Real Review
“Deep red/purple hue and a discreet, but attractive, bouquet of earthy, 'forest floor', coal dust and spice aromas. The wine is full-bodied and powerful, penetrating and intense, with incisive flavour and mouth-watering acidity. The palate is tight, firm and long, with a degree of elegance. It has a core of sweet blueberry fruit, buried by a welter of powdery tannins at this early stage of its life. It has high potential for cellaring. Cellar it!"
