Eocene 'Ancient Earth' Shiraz 2023

Name: Eocene 'Ancient Earth' Shiraz 2023
Brand: Maxwell Wines
SKU: 23EOC
Price: 70.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$70 | $56 Club Price

Blackberry, dark cherry, and bramble. Deep purple and dense in colour.

Tasting Notes

Color & Aroma

Deep purple, ink-like depth of colour. Aromas of Blackberry, black cherry, dark brambly fruits with a hint of charry oak.

Palate

Layered, complex lush fruits and savouriness. Black brambly fruits, olive tapenade, bay leaf, all held together by a fine acid backbone and silky tannins. Earthy, savoury spice supported by the oak that shines through on the back palate.

Pairing

Medium-rare scotch fillet with roasted rosemary kipfler potatoes, broccolini, finished with a red wine jus.

Cellar

Cellar 10-15 years or more

About

The geology of the terroir underneath the single-vineyard Shiraz for this wine was created 35 million years ago during the 'Eocene Epoch', hence we are honoured to pay homage to its ideal vineyard-growing conditions with this earthy style Shiraz that boasts both richness and an extended palate. The soil profile comprises alluvial grey-brown loam over limestone – specifically Blanche Point Formation with Tortachilla Limestone.

The Maxwell Eocene Shiraz is a terroir focussed, single-vineyard Shiraz from the most northern part of the estate on the corner of Olivers and Chalk Hill roads in McLaren Vale. The vines are a special clone called 1654 and planted in 1994, are now given special treatment of leaf plucking, cultivation and cover crops to enhance the individual characters of the berries.

Maxwell_Eocene_Ancient_Earth_Shiraz_2023_Tasting_Note.pdf

Technical

Varietal

Shiraz

Varietal

McLaren Vale

Alcohol

14%

PH

3.46

TA

6.2g/L

Residual Sugar

2.5g/L

Winemaking

Vintage Conditions

The 2023 vintage will be remembered by many as a challenging year in the vineyard, especially during Spring with regular rain events causing increased disease pressure. Thankfully, McLaren Vale's vicinity to the ocean prevailed with sea breezes reducing mildew outbreaks. Vintage began 2-3 weeks later than a 'normal' vintage, with yields lower than average. The slow ripening and cool temperatures provided fantastic colour in reds.

Maker Notes

Blended from a selection of Shiraz barrels from the Maxwell 'Block 9' vineyard site that sits on limestone soils. Grapes vinified traditionally in open fermenters for approximately 8-10 days, pressed gently, finishing primary and secondary fermentation in oak.