Wyndham Estate Black Cluster Shiraz 2003

 2003 VINTAGE
The Wyndham Estate "Black Cluster" is the icon wine in the Wyndham Estate portfolio and showcases our unique Hunter heritage and Shiraz credentials. In 1835, George Wyndham crushed his first vintage and on that day he penned the following entry into his diary, "Began my vintage. Filled the pipe with the must of the Black Cluster." In the same year he planted Australia's first commercial Shiraz vineyard. The block in which the "Black Cluster" Shiraz is sourced is the oldest in the Black Cluster vineyard, being over 30 years old. It produces low yields of rich, stylish fruit which is hand picked to ensure only the best bunches are selected and to protect the fragile vines from damage.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
An unusually warm and dry growing season resulted in lower than average crop levels and an early harvest. These perfect conditions produced intense ripe fruit with excellent colours and stylish flavours. Warm conditions extending into February ensured disease free fruit. Regular inspection and assessment of the vineyard by the winemaker ensured that the grapes were harvested at their optimum flavour and ripeness.
HARVEST DATE
February 2003
WINEMAKING
Once harvested, the "Black Cluster Shiraz" was fermented in small, static fermenters and inoculated with a neutral stain of yeast. During fermentation, temperatures were kept between 20 and 25C and the must pumped over regularly to ensure good extraction of tannin and colour from the grape skins. The progress of the ferment was monitored during daily tasting and regular analysis. After pressing, the wine was transferred into a selection of new and old American oak barrels for maturation. After approximately 18 months in oak, each barrel was tasted by winemakers prior to blending and any not up to an exacting standard was culled. This wine has undergone minimal clarification prior to bottling to minimise stripping of flavour. Further maturation of approximately 18 months has begun to soften the tannins and increase the complexity of this iconic wine.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.5% v/v
Total Acid: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.40
BOTTLING DATE
August 2006
COLOUR
Deep crimson red with rich purple hues.
BOUQUET
Intense, complex aromas of ripe plum, spice and lifted fresh berry fruit coupled with integrated subtle savoury and subtle mocha oak.
PALATE
This wine has enormous depth of fruit with ripe concentrated plum, berry fruit and spice seamlessly integrated with
savoury, mocha oak. Well structured tannins give this wine elegance and finesse while still providing balance with the
wines intense ripe fruit.
Wyndham Estate "Black Cluster" Shiraz is ready to be enjoyed now but will, with cellaring, offer its greatest rewards.
FOOD MATCHING
A perfect match with beef, lamb, game meats and cheese.
SHOW AWARDS
Gold
1 medal
Bronze
6 medals

 

Can be purchased by the each but $15.00 delivery charge will apply.

 

RRP:	75.00
Your Price:	67.50	($AU inc. GST)
Min. order quantity:	6