SOLD OUT 'Over the Hill' Reserve Shiraz
2006

This is a classic Shiraz from arguably Australia's best red wine region. It is rich, dark and brooding, with generous mouthfuls of mulberry, plum and dark cherry characters. Subtle oak, soft tannins and long, complex flavours combine seamlessly to round out a most impressive wine. Flavours are unashamedly intense and abundant, with a structure and alcohol level designed to see it mature gracefully in bottle for many 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 before mechanical pruning and harvesting could even be imagined, they were originally set out as low-growing 'bush vines', with short red-gum posts.

The 2005 winter was reasonably dry, followed by heavy rains in spring, which lead to healthy vines bearing good quality fruit as harvest drew near. A period of hot weather in late summer stressed the vines a bit and pushed ripening along, but the hardy Shiraz vines took it all in their stride and yielded fruit of very high quality with good varietal expression.

Vinification

The ripe fruit was hand-picked and delivered straight to the winery where it was partially crushed. The combination of berries & juice were then transferred into 3 ton open containers and fermented for around 2 weeks. During this time the ferment cap was hand plunged & pumped over 2 times a day. It was then gently air-bag pressed, settled and then dispatched to a combination of 15% new French oak hogshead barrels , and the remaining in 2 and 3 year old French and American oak barrels to mature for 14 months. In September 2007, the wine was packaged in reverse tapered premium claret bottles, and closured with high quality natural cork. To retain maximum quality and substance, it has not undergone fining or filtering. This is why a small amount of harmless, natural sediment may form in and adhere to the bottle.

Technical

Alcohol by volume; 14.5% v/v
pH; 3.50
Titratable Acid; 6.30 g/L
Varieties; 100% Shiraz
Geographical Indication; McLaren Vale, South Australia

Awards and Accolades

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	Silver Medal, 2006 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz Selections Mondiales Des Vins Canada Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL:
	2006 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz, Silver Medal Vienna International Wine Challenge Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL:
	2006 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz 94 Points Gary Walsh, Wine Writer View Editorial  |  Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL: This comes from a block of vines planted in the 1860's and is a make of 800 cases. Aromas of black fruit, almond nougat, pepper and toast. It has subtle French oak and a very attractive sort of fresh bread dough smell. On the palate medium to full bodied with flavours of cherry, dark berries, chocolate and coffee with a touch of earthiness. Seductive and mouth filling with saturating smooth tannins, good balance and a long toasty black fruited finish. A rich and satisfying McLaren shiraz of classic style offering absurdly good value.
	2006 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz, 4 Stars Winestate Great Australian Shiraz Challenge View Editorial EDITORIAL: Published in the September/October 2008 issue Cigar box complexity on the nose, with subtle vanillin oak. Intense fruit flavours on the full, fleshy palate with its firm acid, soft tannins and warming alcohol.
	2006 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz, Silver Medal Boutique Wine Awards 2008 EDITORIAL:
	2006 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz 94 plus Points Paul ippolito, Wine Review View Editorial EDITORIAL: Put this one on the winery watch list folks. This McLaren red is just spot on drinking. Seamless pure balanced and packing quite a punch from the outset, this Shiraz exudes glorious black and red fruits, with integrated oak, providing coconut macaroons as well as black olives and liquorice on the finish. Ripe smooth tannins augur well for the future. And value drinking as well. Try it with a beef stew. Drink to 2016. About $25. 94/100 plus - Excellent.
	2006 'Over The Hill' Reserve Shiraz, 94 Points Wine Review, Murray Almond View Editorial  |  Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL: Deep dark red-purple in colour. Vibrant nose of black cherry plum and white pepper with quality French oak evident. The palate is medium to full weight with the aromas on the nose carrying through to the palate. The palate broadens on the mid palate with the alcohol providing a good degree of lift. Medium tannins before a lovely long finish. A mere pup now, the win will age superbly. Great value for the quality delivered. Drink 2010-2025 94/100 Excellent RRP $25

Availability

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