Vondeling Baldrick Shiraz 2018

(100% Shiraz)

VINEYARDS

For this delicious wine, we select the sites and clones which promote greater aromatics and a more accessible palate. The vineyards are planted on ancient, granite derived soils on south and south east facing slopes. In total six clones of Shiraz are used, and each clone enriches the complexity of the final wine.

VINIFICATION

All grapes are hand selected and chilled overnight before being partially destemmed and placed as whole berries in open-top fermenters. The berry mash is cold soaked for 48hrs, before fermenting spontaneously. Fermentation takes place at a cool 22°C. All fermentation is done by wild yeasts. During fermentation, the wine is mixed by hand and not by pump. This method facilitates greater control and expression of the wine. Once fermentation is complete the skins are pressed in a traditional basket press and the wine is transferred to 500L second and third fill French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurs in the barrel and helps to soften and enhance the natural wine flavours. The wine will spend more than a year in barrel to improved maturity and expose more flavours.

TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING

The wine a deep purple colour with flashes of scarlet. The ripe plum and mulberry aromas are uplifted with cherry blossom and violets, while infused with subtle cinnamon and aromatic white pepper. The palate is gentle and the tannins fresh but rounded. The aromatics continue into the palate with added blueberry, a hint of roasted black olives and soft-spoken sweet spice. A versatile, vibrant medium-bodied wine, the Baldrick Shiraz will enhance many a dish and occasion. We recommend it with slow cooked lamb, freshly seared steak and mashed potato with caramelised onion gravy. You could even have it with turnip…?!

Accolades

2020 Platter’s Guide – 4 Stars

2018 Gold Wine Awards Gold

2018 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge Gold

Analysis

pH 3.5
Total Acidity 5.6 g/l
Residual Sugar 2.8 g/l
Alcohol 13.4 %