90 pts Stephen Tanzer 2007 - LAST BTL - Covers the palate with black and blue fruit flavors and an exotic suggestion of violet pastille.
Tasting
Notes
The Longwood philosophy of winemaking has always been based around creating wines that are fruit dominant. That is to say the structural quality of the wines, ie tannin and acid, are as natural as possible (no added tannin) and are complimentary to the generous fruit weight in the glass. The Shearer is no exception to the rule.
The colour is rich magenta to Spartan red. The nose is of raspberries and boysenberries. There are underlying notes of licorice which become more pronounced the longer the wine is open.
Fruit dominates the front of the palate.There’s a great relationship between aromatics and flavours that are experienced on the palate.
The flavours are a mix of ripe boysenberry, fresh raspberry/strawberry and red fruits.It has typical McLaren Vale mid palate fullness. The flavors are nicely conveyed across the palate from front to back by fine silky tannins. Acidity keeps brightness and freshness through the palate and gives definition of flavor.
In our experience this wine will benefit, as well as it’s consumer from decanting prior to serving.Once opened the wine will evolve over a 2-3 day period in the bottle or decanter. It will cellar comfortably for 5 years.
Food
Accompaniments
Cheese platter (aged Cheddar and Blue)
Any Beef dish, lamb, grilled sausages
Awards,
Reviews and other Notes
90 pts Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar 2007 Inky purple. Powerful, expansive bouquet shows a range of dark fruit and floral aromas along with suave oak spice. Covers the palate with black and blue fruit flavors and an exotic suggestion of violet pastille. Supple tannins build on the long, creamy finish. An outstanding value.
89pts Wine Enthusiast 5/1/2008 Espresso, blackberry and black olive flavors all come together on the palate of this medium- to full-bodied Shiraz. Hints of leather, plum, menthol and spice add complexity to the aromas, while only a touch of warmth on the finish from its 15% alcohol keeps this from an excellent rating. Drink now.
Winemaker Notes
All wines are fermented in 2 and 3 ton open fermenters, hand plunged 3 times daily and basket pressed. Wine is pressed directly to barrel where it spends its life prior to bottling.
Chemical
Analysis
Price
SKU
Varietal
Alcohol: 15.6 %
pH: 3.55
Total Acid: 6.7
Residual Sugar: 0.5 g/lt
Free/Total Sulfur: 27f 77t
Other: VA 0.7 g/lt
