WARBOYS VINEYARD  2019 SHIRAZ  McLAREN VALE  VINEYARD & VINTAGE  Sourced from our certified organic and biodynamic Warboys Vineyard in McLaren Vale.  Average Winter rainfall and a dry Spring checked initial vine growth and reduced disease   pressure in the vineyard. Budburst and flowering occurred in line with the long term average  in mid-September. Thankfully, stable dry conditions occurred at flowering resulting in   excellent fruit set. The dry, stable conditions continued throughout Summer with rainfall   being up to 80% lower than averages. January experienced 14 consecutive days over 30ºC  but thankfully nothing over 40°C. With access to both recycled and artesian water and were  able to develop the vines carefully with controlled irrigation.  February was generally cool  and mild and grapes were harvested in pristine condition.  Wines from this vintage are lively,  aromatic and vibrant with delicious dark berry flavours and spice, finishing with resounding  length and delicacy.  WINEMAKING  Hand-picked in early March, the whole bunches of Shiraz were chilled prior to hand sorting  to ensure only pristine fruit in the ferment. In our Vintage House, 25% whole bunches were  placed in the fermenter and  the remainder was destemmed and crushed on top. The must  was then cold soaked at 10°C, for 3 days before being allowed to warm to 20°C. Fermentation  was initiated by indigenous yeasts from our 100 year old winery. The small fermenters were  hand plunged daily and gently pumped over every few days. As the ferment reached    completion we donned the waders and jumped in to crush the remaining berries on the   bottom of the tank.  Once the ferment had finished, the skins were protected from oxidation by a blanket of CO2  for 3 days of extended maceration. Pressed using our old wooden basket press, with the  pressing wine added back to the free run. The wine was then racked to large new, 2nd and 3rd  fill French oak puncheons for 14 months. The best barrels were selected in July 2020 and the  wine was bottled without filtration or fining.  TASTING NOTE  Inky rich purple with intense magenta hues. Spice and forest floor followed by bitter   chocolate and white pepper. Concentrated plum and red berry notes with spice and black  fruits. Restrained at first but with airing rich intense fruit flavours are framed by great   structure with cedar and dark plums closing out