2022 Bird in Hand Shiraz

Small parcels of premium fruit were carefully selected from sites in the Adelaide Hills (87%) and Mt Benson (13%).

The two very distinct areas contribute unique qualities to the blend with Adelaide Hills bringing elegant structure and fleshy fruit, with Mt Benson contributing perfume, pepper and spice.

Blocks were harvested between the 21^st of March and 4^th of April 2022.

Our Viticultural philosophy ensures fruit quality is always considered first. Cane pruning, shoot thinning, bunch thinning, and leaf plucking were employed to optimise quality through controlling vigour, yield and sunlight into the developing bunches.

A portion of the fruit was crushed and destemmed directly into small open fermenters and some batches were destemmed and partially crushed only, giving 25-50% whole berries. In a select few batches, 10-15% whole bunches were tipped into the fermenter first and then remaining fruit destemmed and crushed on top.

Following fermentation, each batch was gently pressed to barrel for Malolactic Fermentation (40% new French Oak) after which time some batches were left on light lees and some were racked and returned. Wine batches remained in oak for 18 months in temperature and humidity-controlled storage conditions.

The resulting shiraz is deep red in colour, underpinned by bright purple hues.

Aromatics are lifted and perfumed, with raspberry, rosemary flower and complemented by a touch of fresh Madagascan pepper, star anise, and intriguing herbal and spice component from the whole bunch. Medium bodied, with intense dark cacao, boysenberry and dried cranberry. The tannins are fine and focused, and together with the acidity, they give the wine tremendous structure and length.