Shiraz

Toolangi Shiraz is a cool climate Shiraz, sourced from the winery's low cropped 2001 plantings at Dixons Creek in the northern Yarra Valley. The Shiraz vines, all PT23 clone, grow in fine clay loams.

The fruit is handpicked. Most is destemmed but not crushed to preserve the whole berries, with a small portion left as whole bunches.

Fermentation occurs in both open and closed fermenters with turnovers and hand plunging as necessary. After two weeks on skins, the wine is pressed to oak for natural malolactic fermentation. It is then racked, sulphured and returned to barrel to age.

The wine typically remains on lees in oak for up to 10 months before it is racked and bottled. A small portion may age in tank to retain fresh fruit flavours.

Deep crimson, Toolangi Shiraz is medium bodied with a pristine core of dark fruit and gentle oak. The finish is savoury, drawn out by fine tannins. Cellaring potential is 10 years.