Saddle Creek – Shiraz Cabernet – 2021

Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
You can be sure these wines will not let you down. Made at Yenda, in the heart of Australia’s Riverland, at a state-of-the-art winery, using grapes from trusted and skilful growers.

VINTAGE:
The 2020-21 season was a perfect contrast with the previous one. While summer 2019- 20 was the second hottest on record, 2020-21 was the coolest in 10 years, due to the influence of a La Niña climate pattern. The cool ripening period led to an elevated natural acidity and good flavour development throughout the red varieties. In most vineyards, crop size was slightly larger than 2020 across South Eastern Australia.

VINEYARD:
The vine age is varied, but all vines have been spur pruned and are generally trained on a single wire cordon trellising system. The vines are planted at approximately 1.8 metres apart with 3.6 metres between the rows, to allow machinery access. The soil styles in the vineyards are varied, with each terroir adding its own characteristic to the final wine.

WINEMAKING:
All grapes were machine harvested in order to retain the freshness. Fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks at 25 to 28°C to maximise colour extraction with French untoasted and toasted oak influence. When the ferment was 1° Baume it was pressed and left to ferment until dry. Malolactic conversion took place after it was racked onto French oak, which resulted in a softer mouthfeel. The wine was then transferred to a stainless steel tank, to retain the fruity characteristics until bottling.

TASTING NOTE:
A juicy Australian red showing vibrant flavours of black fruits and vanilla. Soft and smooth with full-flavours of ripe fruits of the forest and a touch of oak spice.

GRAPE:
Shiraz 61%, Cabernet Sauvignon 26%, Merlot 12%, Other Varieties 1%.

COUNTRY:
Australia

REGION:
South Eastern Australia

SUB-REGION:
South Eastern Australia