Sorry, sold out
2002 Halifax Vineyard Shiraz
Seasonal conditions
Regular rainfall throughout winter and early spring ensured good soil moisture levels and strong vineyard growth. A combination of strong winds, low temperatures and wet conditions during flowering and fruit set reduced the crop level significantly.
The summer which followed was the coolest on record, and a relatively warm autumn allowed for almost perfect ripening conditions.
While rain in February caused some challenges the combined effect of the afternoon and evening south easterly gully winds, and the sea breezes from the Gulf, helped to keep the vineyard disease free.
Concentration, complexity and elegance are the key elements of 2002
Harvest, fermentation and maturation details
The fruit was harvested on the morning of 3 April and while some berries were shrivelled, their influence was neglible. Overall quality was outstanding, with breathtaking colour and lovely richness and intensity of aromas and flavours.
Fermention in an open fermenter was temperature controlled after a period of cold soaking. After pressing, the wine was racked into a combination of new (20%) and older French oak barriques completing malolactic fermentation shortly afterwards. It remained in barrel for 18 months prior to bottling.
2700 bottles were produced.
Tasting notes
The 2002 H A L i F A X displays layers of aromas and flavours with notes of plum, spice, liquorice and dark cherry and is beautifully balanced by velvety tannins and a background of integrated oak. Its great complexity and persistence of flavours is made all the more appealing with its 'un-shiraz-like', but teasing perfume and finesse.
