Alpha Crucis Winemakers' Series Kerri Thompson Shiraz

Chalk Hill Alpha Crucis Winemakers' Series Kerri Thompson Shiraz is the work of winemaker Kerri Thompson of Wines by KT in the Clare Valley.

The Winemakers' Series sees six small batch winemakers entrusted with six rows of Shiraz from Chalk Hill's Heritage Vineyard in McLaren Vale. The brief is to produce a wine that reflects their individual winemaking philosophy.

The grapes are handpicked. A small amount of Riesling skins – just a few buckets – is placed into the bottom of the fermenter before the Shiraz is placed on top, including nearly half as whole bunches.

Natural fermentation occurs on skins over two weeks. For maturation the wine is pressed into French oak barrels, around one third new and the remainder second use. It is bottled without fining or filtration.

Inky garnet, Chalk Hill Alpha Crucis Winemakers' Series Kerri Thompson Shiraz is full bodied with well integrated spice and plush tannins. Cellaring potential is 10 years.