PIRATHON SHIRAZ BLACK 2017

Pirathon is an ancient word for pinnacle. Shiraz is widely regarded as the pinnacle grape of

the Barossa and the north-western Barossa is the pinnacle sub-appellation for

Shiraz.

Palate: There is no hiding the origin of this wine. Style wise its big, rich and

flavoursome. The complex flavours of blood plums, cherry cola and smoked meats

with the black olive and liquorice notes typically seen in the Northern Barossa Valley.

Oak adds sweetness and a supple texture to the ripe fruit tannins. A wine that can be

enjoyed in its youth or cellared carefully to be appreciated over

many years.

Appearance: Dark garnet with crimson hues

Aroma: Fragrant and enticing with layers of cloves, espresso and warm spice, opening

to rich black fruits with notes of plum pudding and red leather.

REGION

Barossa, South Australia

GRAPES

Shiraz

VINEYARD

The grapes were harvested from the low-yielding vineyards of traditional family

growers in the north-western Barossa districts of Hillview and De Fazio.

WINEMAKING

The 2017 growing season started off well with above average rainfall during the

winter and spring months. September saw record rainfalls over double the long term

average providing plenty of water reserves leading into summer. Temperatures

during summer were moderate allowing a cooler and longer ripening period. March

provided favourable harvesting conditions with little rainfall and above average

temperatures allowing for all fruit to be picked at optimum flavour and ripeness.

Each vineyard was harvested at optimal maturity across a 4-week period from March

14 to April 4. Following harvest, each individual lot of grapes was crushed into a

separate open top fermenter. During fermentation, hand pump-overs gently

extracted colour and flavour from the grapes. After 7-10 days on skins the fermented

grapes were pressed with a traditional press. The wines were then filled into new and

seasoned American and French oak hogsheads for maturation for eighteen months

before each lot of wine was racked from the barrel and carefully blended. The wine

was bottled without fining, ensuring the true expression of the vineyards in the

bottle.