Shingleback Unedited Shiraz 2018 Tasting Note.pdf

GEOLOGY NOTE, BLOCK E, DAVEY ESTATE
Block E Shiraz, to the east of the historic 1860’s barn on the Davey Estate,
has for years provided a valuable and unique component of the Shingleback
reserve wines. The block sits astride the boundary of two geologies; the
southern 10% on the alluvial fan clay, sand and gravel (Christies Beach
Formation) that is washed from the Willunga escarpment, and the northern
90% on grey and red calcrete mottled alluvial clay (Ngaltinga Formation).
The soil transitions from red clay at the very southern end to grey-black,
self-mulching clay for the majority of the block. These unusually well drained,
heavy clays produce full bodied, textured, and richly flavoured Shiraz. From
this superior block a small section is selected for subtle (“unedited”) crafting
and maturation that pays homage to the fruit and the soil from which it
comes.

Harvest started with Semillon on February 6th and our McLaren Vale white
and rosé blocks were all off by February 19th when the first Davey Estate
Shiraz was picked. Shiraz harvest, other than a small parcel for fortified,
was completed on March 24th and Cabernet Sauvignon soon after on March
29th, just before Easter. Mataro, the last of the Grenache and Shiraz for
fortification were harvested after Easter with all fruit in by April 5th.
The 2018 white and rosé wines are richly flavoured with good length. The reds are full bodied and deeply coloured, showing intense fruit flavour with big
round chewy tannins. Simply an outstanding vintage with the promise to be
rated as one of the great years for McLaren Vale.

From this superior block a small section is selected for subtle “unedited” crafting and maturation that pays homage to the fruit and the soil from which it comes.