2022 Penny's Hill 'Single Vineyard' Shiraz

McLaren Vale

THE VINEYARD
This Shiraz comes from the Skeleton Key Block at the McMurtrie Road East Vineyard, which sits at an elevation of 140m. Being at a higher elevation makes for cooler temperatures during the ripening period, allowing the Shiraz grapes to reach their optimum ripeness with less stress. Planted in 1991 with clone 1654, the vineyard's high density, narrow-row layout means that each vine has less crop load per vine than is usual in the region, resulting in a wine with great intensity.

WINEMAKING
The block was harvested on the 22nd of March and fruit parcels were fermented on skins in open fermenters for 10 days.  Maturation was in the finest French oak puncheons, of which 35% were new and remaining 1-3 year old oak.  After 16 months, the wine was barrel selected and blended to best showcase the complexities and diversity of the Skeleton Key site. 

TASTING NOTE
A true reflection of its terroir, this wine shows perfume and spice, coupled with vibrant red cherry and blue berry fruits and underlying notes of milk chocolate and anise. Subtle oak spice plays a supporting role and adds a layered complexity. The palate has a high level of fruit intensity, showing depth and concentration. This tightly structured wine has great finesse, purity and elegance; its fine tannins have focus, direction and length to charm.

93 Points - Marcus Ellis, 2026 Halliday Wine Companion
“From the Skeleton Key Block, planted at high density in 1991 with clone 1654; open fermented with 10 days on skins. This is a barrel selection, with all French oak and about 35% new in the final blend, though 1-3-year-old barrels also have their say. This is generously fruited, skinned with a suave veneer of toasted timber, but there’s relative restraint and poise, too. Dark berries, black plum, high-cocoa chocolate, toasted spices and earthy notes play out, with a firm but not pushy grip of tannin allied with a savouriness of delivery. Feels classic but with subtle restyling.”

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Vintage 2022

Varietal Shiraz

Appellation McLaren Vale

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