Penny’s Hill Footprint Shiraz
WHY WE LOVE IT
Varietal Composition: 100% Shiraz
Elaboration: The original Penny’s Hill vineyard is situated on the foothills east of McLaren Vale and experiences a climate, slightly cooler than the valley floor that contributes to more even ripening temperatures. Planted in 1991 on Kurrajong formation, with geology consisting of clayey sands and silica-cemented conglomerate, these Shiraz vines are low yielding and produce grapes of exceptional quality and complexity. Narrow planted, in east-west orientation, these rows are 2.2m wide with high density 1.5m vine spacing, effectively reducing the yield per vine, dramatically raising quality and yet still retaining the desired crop levels of the vineyard, approximately 2 tonnes per acre. Vines are hand tendered and spur pruned on a single cordon and together with precise canopy and water management the excellence of this Shiraz parcel is captured. As with each vintage of ‘Footprint’, only the most outstanding rows of Shiraz are hand selected for this limited edition, super premium, Scarce Earth release.
Tasting Notes: The full-bodied McLaren Vale Shiraz creates a luscious, rich palate. Well balanced with layers of chocolate, leather and earth revealed. Silky tannins complete the picture.
PRESS
2012 – 96 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.