2009

This wine was formerly labelled as Picnic Hill Vineyard Shiraz and continues to be sourced from this block.
This fine Shiraz was made from handpicked fruit from the Crabtree Estate’s Picnic Hill block situated on the rocky sandstone ridge above the homestead. These low cropping, dry grown vines are 50 years old and are still carefully handpruned to rod and spur. The wine was open fermented, gently plunged and basket pressed by hand. It was then aged in new, one and two year old French oak barriques for 18 months. The 2009 Crabtree Watervale Shiraz has deep purple and crimson hues. Lifted perfume of bright berry fruits with just a hint of menthol are supported by super fine grain tannin and black pepper spice. Long and concentrated. While accessible as a young wine in the first year of release, this finely balanced Shiraz will develop gracefully for 10+ years. Decant before serving. Try it with slow cooked shanks, whipped potato and peas. 2012 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion “The colour is fractionally lighter than Hilltop, but here the similarity stops, other than hand pruning and picking, and open fermentation. Matured in new and used French oak, it is exceptionally fragrant and vibrant, the medium-bodied palate with a juicy component rare in the Clare Valley, the finish fine and long.” 96 Points RRP $25

Specifications

Alcohol 14.5 %
TA 6.04
PH 3.71