2006 Kaesler "Stonehorse" Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia
Deep ruby coloured showing ample forest fruit with hints of cassis & spice on the nose. It does not show too much oak influence. Reflecting the same on the palate, it is elegant and ripe with mixed blackberry and red currant fruit notes. The finish has some intensity and elements of structure(2004!) by now with features of spices, dark chocolates, liquorice and light oak — a warm wine with ABV 15,5% with medium-full body.
Stonehorse is the primary range, yet its making is not simplistic at all. The grapes are old(30 to 40 years old planted in 1985). From the From the official website, it says the following. "Hand-picked and fermented with live yeast for a healthy ferment. Nine days of skin contact with the ferment being pumped over twice a day for 20 minutes each time. After fermentation, it was pressed, let still for one day, then put to barrel. Following MLF fermentation, the wine was racked off its lees and then returned to the barrel, where it stayed for 15 months. The average age of the barrels was about three years old. Hence, just a hint of oak but still allowing the fruit to dominate." The wine bottled with a light filtration, and so, it is a concentrated yet fruity Shiraz with some complexities.
Consistent ratings: RP90; WS90
