Hentley Farm The Quintessential Shiraz Cabernet 2015

This is a single vineyard example of the quintessential Australian blend of shiraz and cabernet. The 2010 Creation was the first opportunity to create this blend at Hentley Farm and the subsequent success of this wine indicated it should become a regular in our premium range, thus the Quintessential Shiraz

This wine is a blend of 4 blocks from within our vineyard, all on the western side of the creek with variances in top soil depth, subsoil type, row orientation, and microclimate. The top soil is predominately a red clay loam, and the subsoil varies from shattered limestone to salt & pepper siltstone and bluestone at depth. All vines are grown on their own roots.

2015 - Heavy rainfall in June and early July provided an exciting start to the season but was followed by dry conditions throughout spring and early summer, resulting in budburst and flowering up to three weeks early. These dry conditions were somewhat tempered by cooler periods through December and the first half of January. A rainfall incident of 70mm in mid-January pushed sugars back and was followed by perfect warm ripening conditions with 30-32C days and cool nights down to 10C persisting for 2 weeks. These conditions resulted in a fast late ripening curve that has produced rich vibrant fruit throughout. - Winemaker, Andrew Quin

Aromatics of dark cherry and plum combine with a strong spice influence of nutmeg and black pepper. Great tannin persistence through the middle of the palate where the flavours are also savoury dominant, fruit flavours of blackberry and plum providing the lift and vibrancy as a supporting act. A perfect blend of sweet and savoury

"A 60/40% blend, destemmed and crushed, 70% with 35 days on skins, 30% 8 days on skins, matured in French oak (30% new) for 12 months. The blackcurrant/cassis/herb notes of the cabernet unexpectedly come out on top of the blackberry and plum of the shiraz. This medium-bodied wine has been carefully handled in the winery during both the fermentation and maturation phases, emerging with absolutely perfect balance. Drink by 2035. 97 points James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion"