Description
Greenock Shiraz is a single vineyard wine produced from low yielding Shiraz vines on the Kalleske estate at Greenock, in the North-Western Barossa Valley. Cuttings for these vines originate from a vineyard planted on the property in the late 1800s.
Today, sixth and seventh generation family members meticulously tend the vines. Traditional winemaking and maturation in American and French oak hogsheads has ensured a complex, full-bodied Shiraz which will reward long term cellaring. Greenock Shiraz is a true family estate wine – grown, vintaged and matured on the Kalleske estate.
Together with Old Vine Grenache, the 2022 vintage celebrates the 21st birthday of Greenock! Both wines were made in our inaugural Kalleske crush, 2002. This 2022 Greenock Shiraz is a terrific wine and fitting release for 21 years of age. The 2022 growing season began with a wet Winter, followed by a cool Spring, then a mild and dry Summer and concluded with a typical Autumn of sunny days in the perfect mid-20s resulting in steady even ripening. The 2022 Greenock is deep and structured with solid dark fruits and is a noble follow on to the previous 20.
Growing Season
The 2022 vintage was excellent. Winter was significantly wetter than average getting the vines off to a brilliant start leading into Spring which was cool with median rainfall. Summer was mild and dry apart from rain on the last day. Autumn remained mild with generally perfect mid-20s weather combined with cool nights ensuring steady even ripening across all varieties. The 2022 yields were good and the quality is great, a classic Barossa vintage displaying rich flavours with fine balance.
Vineyard
Kalleske Greenock Shiraz vineyard is located on the Western edge of Greenock Creek in the Northern Barossa Valley. The vineyard consists of shallow, sandy loam soil over superb deep red clay and limestone, providing ideal conditions for Shiraz vines.
Winemaking
The “Greenock” vineyard of grapes was harvested on March 21st. After picking, the grapes were destemmed into open top fermenters. They were fermented warm with hand pump-overs twice a day for 10 days on skins prior to pressing. After pressing off skins the wine was filled to a mix of 30% new and the balance used American and French oak hogsheads. The wine completed primary fermentation and underwent natural malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was matured in barrel for fourteen months prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
2022 Greenock Shiraz is dark black in colour.
Aroma:
The aroma is uplifting, displaying intense black fruits so typical of the Greenock vineyard. There is rich fruit cake, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, coffee and cedary oak along with mixed spice.
Palate:
This dark richness continues to the full-bodied palate. There are immense ripe fruits with a balanced wealth of oak complexity to thoroughly match. Tannins are robust with an edginess seamlessly countering the plush fruit. The ideal combo of dark fruits, classy oak and solid tannins mesh beautifully throughout and continue in unison to the finish of incredible length.
Recommended Drinking:
Whilst this wine is instantly enjoyable now, Greenock is a complex, refined, and classy Barossa Shiraz that has a long cellaring future (10-15 years)