2019 Johnno’s Shiraz

The Shiraz on Johnno’s was planted in 1908 on sandy alluvial soils, in contrast to the 4 Acres and Weinkeller vineyards, which are on deep-red volcanic clay. Not only is the soil different to that on our other super-premium blocks, but the wine is unlike any of the other reds in the stable.

The fruit was handpicked on 11 February and sorted in the vineyard before a natural fermentation took place in our open-top vats with 10% whole bunches. After fermentation, the wine was matured for 14 months in a single new 2,700-litre French oak cask.

An incredibly bright, attractive purple colour with an inviting nose of red fruits and violets, and just a hint of oak. As always, Johnno’s has a unique character and level of complexity, provided by the vineyard’s sandy soils. Intense blackberry-like fruit is supported by the new oak and grainy tannins. The wine’s wonderful freshness is a testament to how well these sandy sites perform in drought seasons.