Penny's Hill Crackling Black Shiraz

Penny’s Hill Crackling Black Shiraz

WHY WE LOVE IT

Truly representative of the Penny’s Hill McLaren Vale terroir, ‘Cracking Black’ pays homage to the Bay of Biscay soils which contribute to the generosity and richness of the mighty Shiraz wines from the region.
Cracking Black Shiraz is sourced from the estate Malpas Road Vineyard planted in 1991 on land which was originally referred to as ‘Bay of Biscay’. This is an obvious reference to the relatively infertile cracking, grey-black soil upon which the hand-tended Shiraz patch does its work. The fissures which occur as the black soil cracks apart, sever surplus root structure; a process which naturally lessens vigour and enhances ultimate grape quality. Other fruit parcels were sourced from the slightly higher elevated vines of the Penny’s Hill Vineyard. Detailed canopy management, judicious irrigation and passionate viticultural practices in both these high class vineyards contribute to this outstanding Shiraz.

Varietal Composition: 100% Shiraz

Elaboration: To best reflect the variation in terroir across our vineyard sites, each Shiraz parcel was harvested, fermented and matured separately. Harvest dates were from the 28th February through to the 22nd of March. After approximately 10 days on skins in open or static fermenters, wines were pressed and filled immediately to the finest oak barrels. Each parcel was matured for 18 months prior to barrel selection and blending. the final blend consisted of 20% new French oak barrels

Tasting Notes: Lifted dark berry fruits and satsuma plum with underlying mocha, anise and finely integrated oak spice. Oozing with dark cherry and blackberry fruit the palate is well balanced with licorice and spice, showing hints of black olive and tar. This generous wine has supple tannins and exceptional fruit length.

PRESS

2018 – 91 James Suckling

2014 – 95 James Halliday

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

Penny’s Hill was founded in 1988 on the rolling foothills east of McLaren Vale in South Australia and named after an adjacent hill. Its prized piedmont position offers commanding views over the waters of Gulf St. Vincent. Founded by Tony Parkinson, he has passed ownership and management to the Randall Wine Group.

Vines were planted in 1991 in a unique narrow-row configuration to maximize vineyard productivity and grape and wine quality. In 1993, Malpas Road, a newly-planted property, was purchased, followed by an adjacent highly prized vineyard called Goss Corner. Later, the original Goss family homestead, “Ingleburne” was added to complete the 32-hectare estate.

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