Country: Australia  Region: Western Australia  Vintage: 2014  Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red  Varietal: Syrah/Shiraz and Blends Producer: Plantagenet "Plantagenet was the first winery in the Great Southern region and produces some of Western Australia's most classically elegant wines. Their first plantings were in the late 60s and the first vintage was in 1974. The Plantagenet winery is located in the Mount Barker township, a sub-district of the Great Southern region. The proximity of Plantagenet's vineyards to the cool Southern Ocean ensures slow ripening, which in turn enhances the aromatic qualities of the grapes. Plantagenet takes its name not only from its home, but also from its heritage. In 1968, English migrant Tony Smith, himself a descendent of the Plantagenets, invested his small inheritance in a farm called Bouverie in Western Australia's Plantagenet Shire. Today, Plantagenet's five vineyards of 126 hectares are located to the south and west of Mount Barker on gravelly loam soils over a base of clay, sand or ironstone rock. Their Riesling is one of Australia's most highly regarded, just as their spicy and elegant Shiraz continues to garner accolades both domestically and internationally. Their Riesling also ages beautifully whilst the Chardonnay is complex and very well balanced. Chris Murtha was recently appointed Chief Winemaker at Plantagenet Wines, having joined the winemaking team in 2012. ""My absolute focus is to produce wines that speak of the Great Southern region. Classic cool climate wines that are finely structured and intensely aromatic, refined and complex while retaining fruit purity and brightness"", says Chris." Product Features:  Sustainable;Vegetarian Winemaker: John Durham Vineyards: Fruit is sourced from the Wyjup & Bouverie vineyards with a small portion sourced from their oldest grower - Charleston vineyard. All the vineyards grow on free draining gravel loams around the Mount Barker area in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Vinification: The wine underwent a 10-day ferment, with very gentle maceration during fermentation at moderately warm temperatures and gentle slow pressing. The wine's structure was enhanced with the use of 40% new tight grained French oak and was aged for 18 months before blending, filtration and bottling. Tasting Notes: Dark cherry and blackberry flavours with underlying spicy, peppery and tobacco notes which distinguish Shiraz from this cool-climate region. A velvety, textural palate with layered complexity and fine, silky tannins supporting the dense, dark fruit. An elegant, classic Great Southern Shiraz with a long life ahead. Food Suggestion:Good with grilled red meat, salt beef or Mexican spiced bean stews. Closure: Stelvin  ABV:13.5%