Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz Voigner

2006 Gold Label Shiraz Viognier

Wolf Blass Wines, established in the Barossa Valley in 1966, has grown from a humble tin shed to become one of the world's most successful and awarded wineries. Wolf Blass Wines has won Australia's most coveted trophy, the Jimmy Watson, an unprecedented four times. Today, Wolf Blass wines are exported to more than 50 countries and are recognised internationally as icons of modern winemaking.

The 2006 Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz Viognier is an intensely fragrant wine showing subtle white pepper and boysenberry interwoven with violets and exotic spices. With a velvety texture, balanced tannins and exceptional palate length, this wine will benefit from careful cellaring.

VITICULTURE

Adelaide Hills

The dry conditions experienced in South Australia did not affect the Adelaide Hills as much as other regions due to the naturally cooler environment and supplies of local underground water. The Adelaide Hills experienced early spring frosts which threatened the overall yield. Summer was cool yet dry, allowing the grapes more time to ripen on the vine, gaining considerable flavour. Late season rain raised disease pressure but diligent canopy management prevented any outbreaks.

WINEMAKING

Each vineyard parcel was fermented separately in small batch open fermenters. One parcel of Shiraz was co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier contributing lifted Viognier fragrance on the nose and intensifying the vibrant colour of the Shiraz. The wines were gently pressed, racked and transferred to seasoned and new French oak for 15 months maturation before blending, light filtration and bottling.

SUGGESTED FOOD

Duck and veal sausages with a Mediterranean salad.

CELLARING

Enjoy now or cellar over the next three to five years.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Harvest Date: March-April

pH: 3.62

Acidity: 6.42g/L

Alcohol: 15.0%

Residual Sugar: 0.91g/L

Bottling Date: August 2007

Volume = 750ml