Greenock Creek Fifteen Claims Shiraz 2023

This wine is named after the fifteen gold claims which were struck in the Moppa sub-region of the Barossa Valley, more specifically over this property. It worked out neatly as there are just fifteen rows of vines on this small site. There are a mix of Shiraz clones here and the yield is kept low, usually 1 to 1½ tonnes per acre. The wine undergoes a cold fermentation in slate fermenters before basket pressing into French oak for a period of a year and a half for maturation. 1/3rd of that oak is new and all of it comes from the famous Sylvain coopers. 1,600 bottles. Under cork. Black/magenta in hue, the deftly handled oak is still apparent, but integration is proceeding immaculately. On the nose we have notes of cassis, chocolate, mocha, blackberries and coffee beans. This is plush, generous and approachable, while remaining finely balanced with a seductive texture. Great intensity and yet it still shows a touch of refinement. The wine has brilliant length. The palate shows hints of truffles emerging towards the finish and there is a pleasing note of savouriness to the wine. Love it. Twenty years.