Description
Johann Georg Shiraz is a single vineyard wine produced from an ancient vineyard on our Kalleske estate at Greenock, in the North-Western Barossa Valley. The vineyard was planted in 1875 and the gnarly, dry-grown vines produce extremely low yields. As this wine is from the oldest vineyard on our Kalleske farm, it is a fitting tribute to name the wine in honour of the first Kalleske to migrate to Australia.
Johann Georg Kalleske migrated from Prussia to South Australia in 1838 aboard the Prince George. Johann’s descendants now meticulously tend the Johann Georg vineyard planted two centuries ago. An amazing wine, produced in tiny quantities and destined for long term cellaring, Johann Georg Shiraz is truly something special.
Growing Season
Quality from 2019 is stunning. It was a warm and extremely dry growing season with rainfall down significantly (39%), making it one of the driest years in the past century. Summer was 3 degrees warmer than average. Yields were impacted by the dry season, leading to smaller berries and bunches. Importantly quality is brilliant producing richly flavoured, intense wines.
Vineyard
This vineyard was planted in 1875 and produces very low yields of around one tonne per acre from old, gnarly, dry grown vines. The top soil is sandy with excellent clay subsoil.
Winemaking
The ancient Shiraz vines were hand-picked on March 5th and the grapes destemmed into a small open top fermenter. The grapes were fermented for fifteen days where a heading down screen was employed to submerge the skins throughout the fermentation ensuring gentle colour and flavour extraction. The must was pressed and filled to new and seasoned French oak hogsheads. The wine was matured for two years prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
2019 Johann Georg Shiraz has incredible colour, dark magenta-black.
Aroma:
The aroma is full-on to say the least. There are big notes of cherry, plum, blueberry and prune. It then transitions to mixed spice and cured meats before further evolving to floral notes and cedary oak.
Palate:
The palate is generous with upfront black fruit and plenty of juiciness. Full-bodied, plump and so well balanced. Rich dark fruits dominate with subtle well-integrated oak adding a supporting role. Tannins are super-fine delivering a pleasing dryness to the ripe fruit. An incredible length completes this distinguished ancient vine Barossa Shiraz.
Recommended Drinking:
Johann is a superb wine that will ultimately benefit from a decade or two in the cellar.