2003 Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz Tasting Notes

This wine is sourced from only the highest regarded vineyards and is given extraordinary attention in the vineyard. Canopy management is designed to maximise fruit exposure to the sunlight and yields are low to achieve concentration in the grapes. The grapes are harvested according to flavour with little regard for analytical data. Fermentation occurs in open-topped stainless steel tanks with highly aerative pumpovers that are integral in tannin development. At completion of fermentation, the shiraz is pressed off into French oak barriques of which 60% are new, the balance being one year old. This wine was matured in the barrel for approximately 18 months. There was minimal fining and filtration performed.

Dark black colour with youthful purple hues, this wine looks concentrated, a perception that is supported by both aroma and palate. Dark fruits and smoky spicy aromas lead to a palate of good fruit concentration and firm ripe tannin giving the wine an outstanding textural profile. In this wine it is the mouthfeel elements that are the greatest palate influences backed up by dark cherry fruits and spicy flavour components.

Considerable ageing potential.