Description
Vineyard:
Zerk Vineyards, Lyndoch, Barossa Valley. Planted 1961 & Circa 1890
Annandale Vineyard, Williamstown, Barossa Valley. Planted 1971
Viticulture:
The 1961 site is around 250m above sea level with a northerly aspect, the soil consists of deep red clay with bands of ironstone and shale. The vineyard is own rooted, clone is unknown. The 1890 site is around 260m above sea level with a Southerly aspect, the soil consists of deep sand over clay, the vines are own rooted, clone is unknown. The mid rows are cultivated to winter active fescue. Minimal irrigation is used in very dry years. The Annandale site which sits on the very southern end of the Barossa is around 310m above sea level, the soil consists of slate sandy loam and creek stones.
Winemaking:
The Zerk Grenache was hand-picked on the 28th February and 2nd March 2020 with the Annandale 20th March. Around 25-30% whole clusters were tipped into open fermenters with the balance crushed on top, header boards were placed on day 2 of ferment.
Ferment was the result of indigenous and cultured yeast. Temperatures were allowed to reach 30C with pump overs performed 2 times daily reducing to nil later in ferment. After 8 and 9 days on skins the fruit was basket pressed and transferred into older puncheons to undergo malo-lactic fermentation. Post malo the wine was then left 3 weeks before SO2 was added in place, the wine was left on lees and topped regularly. The wine racked late January 2020 and underwent a coarse filtration prior to bottling
Tasting Notes:
Bright crimson colour leads to aromas of raspberry, savory spice and sandalwood with stem hints from the whole clusters adding aromatic complexity. Palate is mid weight with a very textural mouthfeel, fine tannins add balance to the mouthfeel, natural acidity gives wonderful length to the wine.
Cellaring:
Drink now or cellar carefully and enjoy over the next 8 years.
Analysis:
Alc/vol 14.1%, TA 5.30g/l, pH 3.56, RS 3.0 g/l, VA 0.65 g/l
