Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz McLaren Vale 2019

Commercial description 

We named this wine after Robert Strangways Wigley, a noted South Australian eccentric and state cricketer who established Wirra Wirra back in 1894. Each vintage we take pride in producing a flagship shiraz that befits McLaren Vale’s reputation as a first class producer of this varietal and home to some of the oldest shiraz vines in the world.

Colour - Rich mahogany tones around a youthful, deep core of black plum.

Bouquet - Rolling waves of deep, glossy McLaren Vale shiraz. Fruits are scented with mulberry, dried figs, cinnamon, and clove. The swell of brooding spice, charcuterie, and rich black fruit is held in place by an undertow of fine French oak and dark chocolate.

Palate - The palate contrasts ripe, generous fruit with linearity and purposeful structure. Deep satsuma plums, French polish, and vibrant acid line are signature in style. Powdery tannins leave a lengthy finesse.

Vinification - Parcels from each vineyard were picked in small batches and fermented separately in twoton open fermenters to maintain their distinct vineyard character. In some, a small amount of whole bunches was included. Each batch were tasted daily to determine the level of hand plunging and maceration required during fermentation. At the desired level of tannin and fruit extraction, each ferment was basket pressed with winemakers making the press cut at the first sign of tannin hardness. Pressed batches were transferred to a tailored selection of French oak barriques and puncheons in which they completed malolactic fermentation. Following MLF and several times thereafter, individual wines were racked and returned. At the end of this program

Oak Maturation - Vineyard batches were matured separately, each in their own individual selection of French oak barriques and puncheons. The final blend comprised approximately one-third new oak, the balance coming from largely two and three-year-old barriques and puncheons.

Drink - Can be enjoyed upon release, but will develop up to 2036 years with careful cellaring.