James Edward Wines Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023

The 2023 Shiraz is made using hand-picked fruit grown by Michael Cottan at Racecourse Lane Vineyard in the heart of Pokolbin (right next door to the renowned and certified organic Ablington Vineyard).

50% of the fruit was destemmed with the remaining 50% left as whole-bunches on top before being sealed in a tank purged with CO2 to create an environment ideal for semi-carbonic maceration - an intercellular fermentation that produces more floral characters and aromatics. After 14 days of regular pumpovers, the whole-bunches were foot trodden before being pressed to old oak puncheons to finish fermentation.

Both primary and full malolactic fermentation took place naturally with indigenous yeasts/bacteria, and a modest addition of SO2 was used at the end of fermentation before being matured for 10 months in barrel.

Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

A more medium-bodied style of Shiraz but with depth and generosity. Lifted florals, purple and brambly fruits, and tobacco leaf on the nose, with forest berries, white pepper, and a hint of liquorice on the palate. A little bit spicey and gamey, with fine grained tannin that adds a nice level of chew to the wine.