Description
WINE REGION: Nagambie Lakes
FRUIT SOURCE: Tahbilk Estate
GRAPE VARIETY: Shiraz
MATURATION: 18 months in both large and small predominantly French oak barrels
VINTAGE 2019:
2019 was the hottest summer on record, exacerbated by a dry winter and early spring. November and December were then tropical in comparison – higher temperatures and 50% more rainfall than the long-term average. This weather pattern saw terrific canopy growth, with the frequent rains turning the vineyards a vivid green. The predictions of a warm and drier than normal summer, eventuated after Christmas The January average of 35 was 5 degrees hotter than ‘normal’ with February temperatures just a fraction above average. The heat was relentless, and there was no useful rainfall for the month so it remained very dry. Despite this the fruit didn’t ripen as rapidly as anticipated, and we started vintage relatively late on February 19th. Ripening continued to be steady even though the hot days and warm nights continued, which allowed us to bring in fruit at optimum ripeness and without a rush. And the end result? Yields for Whites were down on expectations, but quality was good. The Reds fared better yield wise, and have bright fresh fruit, depth of flavour, and rich, full palates.
ABOUT THE WINE:
Established in 1860, Tahbilk is located in the premium central Victorian viticultural region of Nagambie Lakes. Purchased by Reginald Purbrick in 1925, five generations of the Purbrick family have been actively involved with the Estate bringing a tradition of pride, hard work and a love of good wine to their unique heritage of being the oldest family owned winery and vineyard in Victoria. Tahbilk Shiraz is sourced from nearly 30 hectares of vines planted at various times from the 1930s through the early 2000s. Crafted with a commitment to traditional wine making values, fermentation takes place in original open vats over 155 years old, with maturation then in similarly aged large French oak prior to bottling. Smaller predominantly French oak barrels are also used, with the wine from these blended back during the final filtering and bottling. The resultant releases are noted as being fruit-driven wines of much flavour and substance, proven over the years to develop added character when cellared.
TASTING NOTE:
“A vintage that delivered rich and deeply flavoured Estate fruit that was then completed with traditional Tahbilk red winemaking practices, have shaped this 2019 Shiraz. Robust and spicy with ripe plum, mulberry and savoury black pepper notes, there is a rich and warming earthiness to this release that is complemented by chewy, black tea like tannins that will support further development out to 2029/2035.”
