1891 Ancestor Vine Shiraz

Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vine Shiraz is sourced from the foundation of the great Hardys winemaking dynasty: the Upper Tintara Vineyard in McLaren Vale, planted by Thomas Hardy in 1891.

The last remaining block of original vines – just 2.54 hectares – provides the fruit for this wine. It is hand harvested.

Destemmed grapes undergo open fermentation in a small open vessel, with hand plunging at least three times daily. After fermentation the wine remains on skins for 14 days, then is basket pressed and transferred to second fill French oak barrels.

After nearly two years of maturation the wine is filtered and bottled. It is then cellared in perfect conditions for many years prior to release.

Deep yet bright red purple, Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vine Shiraz is powerful and rich, but elegant. Dark fruits, savoury oak and abundant sandy tannins lead to a long finish.

A truly opulent old vine Shiraz, made in tiny quantities. Cellaring potential is 20 years.