Turkey Flat Shiraz 2014

The historic Turkey Flat property, near Tanunda in the heart of the Barossa Valley, lies on rich, alluvial soils adjacent to Bethany Creek. The Turkey Flat wine includes parcels of original, old-vine material from estate-owned, low-yielding, low-vigour vineyards of varying ages in the Bethany and Stonewell sub-regions. Some of Turkey Flat’s ancient Shiraz vines date back to 1847 and are still in production.

The wine is vinified in open, stainless-steel fermenters, followed by around 20 months maturation in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads. Turkey Flat Shiraz is the result of an intricate blending process. Each parcel of fruit with potential for inclusion is individually vinified and barrel-aged. The final blend excludes all but the very finest components, providing certainty as to quality, consistency and longevity. The wine is typified by dark cherry and chocolate-like aromas and flavours, ripe, textured tannins, plenty of fruit sweetness, concentration and flavour length.

All of the mainstream red winemaking options are used, demanding (and receiving) unrelenting attention to detail. This is a hero Barossa Valley shiraz, its backbone planted in 1847, with great colour, profound complexity, yet retaining a calm personality within its array of primary, fresh flavours. Drink by 2044.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion