Released November 2024

A cool and European season produced peppery, perfumed and finely structured Shiraz. The 2022 harvest was two-three weeks later than ‘usual’ and the crop enjoyed the benefits of long, slow ripening without extreme temperatures.

The Mayford vineyard currently has 14 different clones of Shiraz planted, many of which are hard-to-come-by heritage clones. Each brings a different expression of the variety and contributes complexity and interest to the overall blend. The new clonal plantings give perfume and fragrance- the original 28 year-old Shiraz block bringing maturity, depth and power.

Small parcels of Shiraz were selectively hand-picked over the first three weeks of April and vinified separately according to clone and harvest date. Each batch was chilled and cold soaked prior to spontaneous fermentation by indigenous yeasts.  Complexity was enhanced by varying times on skins, percentages of whole berry/bunch, degrees of post ferment maceration and of course a diverse range of cooperages. Oak maturation was in French barriques for 18 months, 30% new.

Punchy pepper and spice characters lead, pretty with blood plum, anise, violets and fresh leather. Christmas pudding spice, pink peppercorn, soy, sweet plum and raspberry fruits weave on the palate that is all mineral and medium weighted, but long and laced with soft tannins.

Drink 2025- 2035.

Bottled July 2024

Bottled under screwcap.