The 2007 MP Shiraz is a distinct combination of the four McLaren Vale sub-regions. The year’s conditions resulted in low yields and very small berries size. The mildness of the summer provided us with a broad range of ripening conditions across the range of vineyard sites. With some of the vineyards we decided to extend the hang time. This allowed us to harvest the grapes with optimally ripe, plush tannins.
2007 required careful evaluation of the ferments. We needed to assess the time required on skins to reduce the risk of over extraction and harsh tannins. Gentle, soft pressing was also very important. A portion of the shiraz was fermented in barrel, keeping parcels and vineyards separate. Maturation was in a diverse range of coopers, 100% American oak, with a high proportion being new.