'Over the Hill' Shiraz (cellar door reserved stock)
2005

This wine will appeal to those that like their red wines on the generous side. Rich, dark and brooding, here are mouthfuls of vinous pleasure. Subtle oak, soft tannins and long, complex flavours combine seamlessly to round out a most impressive wine. Flavours are unashamedly abundant, with a structure and alcohol level designed to see it mature gracefully in bottle for years to come.

The Vintage

Given the decrepit appearance of its vines, 'over the hill' would be an apt description of the vineyard used to produce the grapes for this wine. The fruit for this classic Shiraz came from what we believe to be are some of the oldest vines in the district - planted over one hundred and forty years ago in the 1860's. The vines are located in our 'Home Block', about 5 kilometres east of the township of McLaren Vale. Planted long before mechanical pruning and harvesting could even be imagined, they were originally set out as low-growing 'bush vines', with short, stout red-gum posts.n A reasonably wet winter provided for good bud burst with corresponding early shoot growth. The milder than usual summer resulted in an excellent, very even ripening period - providing good natural sugar levels in most varieties. At harvest time, the Shiraz in particular was of a high quality with good varietal fruit expression.

Vinification

The fruit was received at the winery at around 14.5 ° Baume and crushed immediately, with the juice allowed to steep on skins before pressing. Fermentation on skins was carried out for around seven days, with the wine then being despatched to a combination of new and prior-use French and American oak hogsheads for extended maturation. The individual barrels were then assessed and the finished wine blended before bottling in June 2006.

Technical

Alcohol by volume; 14.5% v/v
pH; 3.48
Titratable Acid; 6.1 g/L
Varieties; 100% Shiraz
Geographical Indication; McLaren Vale, South Australia

Awards and Accolades

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2005 'Over The Hill' Shiraz, 95 Points 2008 Edition: James Halliday Wine Companion View Editorial EDITORIAL: The 3 Generations refers to the Conte family, not the Hardy family which planted the shiraz in the 1860's. Beautifully focused and balanced: the first whiff of the bouquet proclaims its quality and typicity: the palate offer blackberry, plum and a touch of chocolate, followed by a long, fine finish, and subtle oak. Incomprehensibly low priced. Cork. 14.5% alc. To 2025

2005 'Over The Hill' Shiraz, Silver Medal 2007 China Wine & Spirits Competition EDITORIAL:

Availability

Very limited cellar door reserved stock.