Berton Vineyard – The Black Shiraz ‘Winemakers Reserve’, Padthaway – 2022

PRODUCER NOTE:
Established by Bob and Cherie Berton in May 1996. The estate covers 30 hectares of land located on gently rolling hills at 450 metres above sea level, in a subregion of Eden Valley in South Australia. The superb Reserve Shiraz and Reserve Chardonnay wines are still sourced from this plot. In 2007, Bob purchased the Yenda winery in the heart of the Riverina. This state-of- the-art facility has the capacity to process 20,000 tonnes and enables Berton Vineyard to produce value for money wines which sit alongside their premium single vineyard offerings.

VINEYARD:
Predominantly sourced from the vineyards in Padthaway, South Australia, where the soils are sandy loam over clay, formed on old lagoon sediments. These sandy soils lead to poor nutrient and water retention which helps to concentrate the flavours in the fruit. The vines are grown on single wire trellises, ensuring an open canopy. Drip irrigation is used in the vineyards to manage the water supply and reduce evaporation, as water is applied directly above the roots. The fruit was harvested during the cooler nights to retain freshness.

WINEMAKING:
The parcels of fruit were fermented in stainless steel vertical fermenters for four to six days at temperatures maintained between 26 to 30°C. Wine was then bag pressed at 1° Baumé and left to ferment until dry. It was then racked onto French oak for malolactic conversion, before being clarified via centrifuge into stainless steel storage. 25% of the blend was transferred to used French and American oak barrels for approximately four months’ maturation. Once all parcels were completed, the final cuvée was carefully blended and prepared for bottling.

TASTING NOTE:
The Winemakers Reserve Black Shiraz is a densely hued, rich and fleshy Shiraz with generous aromas of blackberry and plum over toasty coffee and spicy oak. Full flavoured and intense, with rich plum, blueberry and mocha notes and ripe tannins imparting great structure and length.

GRAPE:
Shiraz 86%, Durif 14%.

COUNTRY:
Australia

REGION:
South Australia

SUB-REGION:
Padthaway