Vivid, yet refined red fruits are complimented by perfumed passionfruit floral notes. Vibrant acidity, great structure, grippy tannins with a pretty aromatic lift. This Beauty delivers on all fronts, enjoyable and fresh now, it will develop depth and complexity over further cellaring.
Vintage 2019 was characterised by dry conditions throughout the growing season, with no rainfall recorded. Warm temperatures prevailed, fostering rapid ripening and a condensed harvest period. Despite the challenges, these conditions led to grapes with intense flavours and tannins, resulting in wines of remarkable power and structure.
The Beauty block is grown at the lowest point of the Hentley Farm vineyard, directly on the banks of Greenock Creek. The western aspect results in a shaded morning; the low topographical position is where cool air settles; and the large gum trees surrounding the block create significant barriers to air movement, so cool air remains present well into the morning. This results in early morning air temperatures 2-3 degrees cooler than the higher Shiraz blocks, and a 2-3 week later harvest.
Shiraz and wet Viognier skins (3%) where combined at the weighbridge, destemmed only, and transferred to their fermentation vessel. After an initial temperature spike, 1/3 of the wine was sent to oak for fermentation off skins. The balance was chilled and returned over the skins where a minimal pump-over regime was employed to ensure the softness of palate for which The Beauty is known. It was then basket pressed to a combination of new (35%) and old French barrels where it underwent natural malolactic fermentation. The wine spent a total of 20 months maturation in oak.
Tech Analysis: Alcohol – 15% | pH – 3.57 | Acid – 7.0g/L | RS – <1.0g/L
“An enticing mix of perfectly ripe black plums, violets and raspberries make way for a bulbous core. Oak support comes in here adding another layer to the fruit—the tannins are tight, fine and savoury. This will age beautifully as there's clarity and power to the fruit.” - GABRIELLE POY, THE REAL REVIEW
“Matured 20 months in 35% new French oak barrels. The effect of a sprinkle of co-fermented viognier skins (just 3%) in deepening the colour and introducing a tropical nuance to Barossa shiraz is profound. Deep, vibrant purple in hue and in flavour, this is a powerful, ripe style of inky, black-fruit concentration. High-cocoa dark chocolate oak, firm,
refined tannins and warm alcohol stretch out a long and lively finish.” - TYSON STELZER, HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION
