2017 Reserve Shiraz
$100.00
Low yield, old vine, limited production.
The Reserve Shiraz has set the benchmark for the Hilltops region, striking the perfect balance between warm climate richness and cool climate elegance.
Stylistically the wines have changed over the last decade. They have become more elegant and poised; a direct result of refinement in viticulture and wine-making practices.
- Vintage: 2017
- Variety: 97% Shiraz,3% Viognier
- Alcohol:14%
- Region: Hilltops
- Bottle Size: 750ml
- Country: Australia
- Case Size: 6
Awards
2016
- GOLD – Hilltops Wine Show 2017
- GOLD – Wine Showcase Magazine 2018
2015
- 97 Points – James Halliday, Wine Companion 2017
- TROPHY – Royal Hobart Wine Show 2016
- TROPHY – Riverina Wine Show 2016
- GOLD – Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2016
- GOLD – Sydney International Wine Show 2016
- GOLD – Royal Perth Wine Show 2016
- GOLD – National Cool Climate Wine Show 2016
- GOLD – National Wine Show of Australia 2016
- GOLD – NSW Small Winemakers Show 2016
- GOLD – Royal Hobart Wine Show 2016
- GOLD – Riverina Wine Show 2016
- GOLD – Wine Showcase Magazine 2016
2014
- 97 Points – James Halliday, Wine Companion 2017
- 96 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
- Selected by QANTAS for International First Class
- GOLD – NSW Wine Awards 2015
- GOLD – China Wine & Spirits Competition 2015
2013
- 97 Points – James Halliday, Wine Companion
- TROPHY – Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2014 (first NSW wine to win in the show’s 21 year history, winning out of 400 wines from 60 different regions).
- GOLD – London International Wine & Spirit Competition
- GOLD – Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2014
- GOLD – Australian Small Winemakers Show 2014
- GOLD – Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2014
2010
- 97 Points – James Halliday, Wine Companion (outscoring Grange and Hill of Grace)
- GOLD – Sydney Royal Wine Show 2012
2009
- 97 Points – James Halliday, Wine Companion 2013
- Top 10 Shiraz – James Halliday, Wine Companion
- Top 10 Future Classics – Jeremy Oliver’s Wine Annual
- TROPHY – Les Concours Du Vins
- 6 gold medals including National Wine Show Canberra
Technical & Tasting Notes
VITICULTURE
Hand selected fruit from 8 blocks planted to 5 clones of Shiraz. Old vine, low yield; 2.5 tonnes per hectare, leaf-plucked, shoot-thinned and crop-thinned.
WINE MAKING
35% whole bunch, cold soaked for 5 days prior to fermentation. Temperature controlled ferment over 14 days, the shiraz and viognier were co fermented. The wine was then barrel aged in new and used French puncheons and hogsheads for 11 months.
TASTING NOTES
Youthful and vibrant with seamless, juicy dark berries. Richly layered with a flavour packed combination of blackcurrants, black olives, graphite, Asian spice, blue berries and cocoa notes. The finish is supple and smooth.
Reviews
2015
“Deep colour; it takes no time to understand why this wine should have won two trophies and nine gold medals, including runner-up in the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge ’16 (won by its stablemate the ’15 Escalier Shiraz). Superb fruit and superb winemaking create the illusion this is a medium-bodied wine when in fact it is full-bodied. This is achieved through the total fusion and perfect balance of its black fruits, lifted by some co-fermented viognier, its Rolls Royce tannins and their stealthy power, and quality oak knowing its role is no more than supporting.” – James Halliday
“…deep garnet hues and bramble jelly aromas. The front palate shows spicy blackcurrant flavour, the middle palate rhubarb, briar, spearmint and savoury oak and the finish peppery tannins. ” – John Lewis, Newcastle Herald
2014
“The colour is perfect, the bouquet full of blackfruit promise, but it is the immediacy and intensity of the attack of the fruit on the palate that leaves no doubt that the winemaking team was given full discretion on the cut off point inclusion under this label. Super intense and spicy / pepper fruit, high quality oak and firmly focused tannins make an unforgettable taste experience.” – James Halliday
“A gorgeous modern, cool climate rendition of Australian shiraz, the wine exhibits blackberry, dark plum, black olive, floral and cedar characters with nuances of cocoa and smoked meat. The concentrated palate delivers awesome power and intensity, together with refinement and poise, wonderfully supported by velvety texture and fine tannins. A multi layered, symphonic offering with engaging fruit and savoury flavours.” – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
2013
“Has Moppity stamped all over the bouquet and palate; intense black cherry, licorice, blackberry and spice fruit has engulfed the French oak, and the tannins are gloriously fine and supple.” – James Halliday
2010
“The whole kit and caboodle of nouveau cool climate shiraz making: sub 15% alc, 0.4 t/ha. 50% whole bunches, 25% wild ferment, 2% viognier, and maturation in new and used French barriques, hogsheads and puncheons, ie larger oak. Good hue; the texture first and foremost and structure are outstanding, the length remarkable, and there is a dazzling array of black cherry, spice and pepper fruit on the palate and finish.” – James Halliday
2009
“Good crimson-purple; the small percentage of co-fermented viognier may have helped this beautifully balanced and composed wine, made from very low yielding, drought affected vines, yet magically showing no signs of stress. The bouquet is beautifully fragrant and perfumed, the medium-bodied palate with black and red cherry, licorice, spice and high quality oak flavours.” – James Halliday
