Vintage

2022 in the Hilltops region was a classically long growing season with moderate days and cool evenings. A long berry ripening period that allowed for the development of ripe fruit flavours and tannins tempered by moderate alcohol and fresh acidity. The red wines from 2022 in the Hilltops region are medium bodied with freshness and complexity and will prove themselves with time in the cellar.

Vineyard

Thanks to its altitude of 450m, the Hillrose vineyard in Boorowa boasts a desirably cool continental climate. That means chilly winters, warm summers and typically very settled autumn conditions when the days are sunny and night temperatures fall, perfect for long, slow grape ripening and flavour concentration. The soils are rich and deep; typically dark red granite clays impregnated with basalt. While capable of holding water at depth, they are free draining and support strong vine growth.

Winemaking

Fruit was destemmed to a single static fermenter and allowed to cold soak on skins at 5C for 3 days. A wild yeast fermentation then commenced which was completed at warm 28-32C temperatures in 6 days. The wine was retained on skins for 19 days with MLF occuring during this time before being pressed directly to a combination of new, one year old and two-year-old French oak hogsheads and puncheons. 11 months in oak before being blended to a stainless steel tank, allowed to naturally clarify then bottled.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby hued, this red is intensely perfumed and flavoured. This Shiraz reveals lovely concentrated blueberry & black cherry fruits and is framed by earth and graphite leading to the linear crisp acidity. Drinking well now or will further develop with medium to long-term cellaring.