In stock
The Pioneer
Shiraz 2015
This pinnacle release Shiraz is crafted from the very finest fruit selection and is entirely estate grown and bottled on the Taylor family estate in the Clare Valley, South Australia.
| Previous Vintages | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
|---|---|
| Region | Clare Valley |
| Colour | A striking, dark cherry colour which sits at the mid-point between black and ruby. |
| Nose | Generous and immediately offers sweet, spice characters of fine oak lifting from the glass. These are underscored by fresh, red plum and cherry fruit characters that sit confidently at the heart of the wine. |
| Palate | The palate shows considerable structure. There is much to enjoy now, with vanilla and liquorice root notes in abundance through the mid-palate and layering beautifully onto the back-palate and finish, whilst blueberry and ripe dark plums define the overall heart of the wine. The tannins have a velvety softness to them that is neither bitter nor over-firm, reminiscent of sweet plum skins and reinforcing the sense that this wine shall develop exceptionally well in the cellar. |
| Vintage Conditions | In the Clare Valley, the growing season in the lead up to vintage 2015 saw slightly higher than average amounts of rainfall initially and then very little fell, making it the driest ever August recorded at the estate. The first evidence of budburst appeared in the last week of August which is relatively normal. Rainfall for spring was well below average and not only was the spring weather extremely dry, it was also warm and windy. These conditions had a detrimental impact on flowering with resultant bunch numbers down on average. December and January were relatively mild, with rain falling during the second week of January. The moisture was a welcome relief after such a dry spring and the varieties on the estate responding well for both yield and quality. |
| Oak Maturation | Post MLF, the wine was matured in a selection of fine-grained American and French oak barrels – 75% new and the balance in two and three years old Érmitage, AP John and Du Val de Loire barrels. These barrels were specially selected for their ability to impart power, subtlety and mid-palate generosity to the wine. After 12 months, a painstaking barrel selection assessment was undertaken to identify those deemed as ‘exceptional’ and these parcel were blended and returned to barrel for a fu ... |
| Cellaring Notes | Immediately approachable but will cellar well in ideal conditions for up to 20 years from vintage date. |