Shiraz Viognier 2015

Is there such a thing as a perfect vintage? 

If such a year existed it would provide good early summer rain to give the vines a source to draw on through the summer heat. A good crop of grapes on a moderately vigorous canopy of healthy leaves. An even, extended ripening season, warm but not excessively hot, windy or wet. 2015 delivered all these and more.
 
The fruit was perfect. The aromas, flavours and textures of the wines are extraordinary.

A wet early summer set up a beautiful bell curve of ripening with the late summer and early autumn aglow with steady and glorious warmth. Moderate rainfall events in February and March kept the soil moisture in a fine balance.

30% whole bunch – a little higher than the usual 20-25% as the bunches came into the winery in perfect condition.

5.5% Viognier

12 months in tight grain French oak barriques, 35% new.

99 points - Nick Stock for James Suckling