Slate Shiraz

Ox Hardy Slate Shiraz is grown on the Upper Tintara Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, originally purchased by Thomas Hardy in 1871. The Moreton Bay Block provides the fruit.

The fruit is destemmed, crushed and chilled into a picking bin. Then, using a bucket and shovel, it is transferred to an old open slate fermenter at the original Tintara winery, built in 1863.

These old slate fermenters inspire the wine's name. Slate Shiraz's inaugural vintage in 2018 was the first time the fermenters had been used since 1927. The juice ferments with a chosen yeast and sees hand plunging three times a day.

Post ferment the wine is pumped out and the skins are transferred to the basket press – again using a bucket and shovel. Maturation occurs in seasoned French oak for 18 months.

Very deep purple, Ox Hardy Slate Shiraz is medium bodied with intense berry flavours and grippy, powdery tannins and a long, smooth finish. Cellaring potential is 10 years.