Vintage
We recorded just about average annual rainfall over the year, which resulted in healthy crops of Shiraz and Cabernet. Unseasonably warm November weather interfered with the chardonnay during flowering and resulted in small crops of this variety. The weather then remained almost perfect for the rest of vintage. The general consensus amongst winemakers in the Vale is that 2010 marks an exceptional year for both red and white wines.
Winemaking
This is the 10th vintage of the Battle of Bosworth Shiraz, so we feel we are really in the groove when it comes to making this wine. Traditionally made in open fermenters with daily pump overs, (to make sure we get maximum flavour, colour and tannins out of the grapes) the wine finishes fermentation in barrel. Being ‘estate’ grown – owing in the main to our organic status which precludes us from buying grapes from anyone else in the district- we process the grapes in small batches. This gives us an array of components to choose from when putting the final blend together; this helps us make a better and more complex wine. One such component is the cordon cut, vine dried Shiraz. We only add a small amount (4-8%) of this component to the BoB Shiraz, but its impact is significant, bringing spice and intrigue to the wine. The Shiraz is matured in a mix of new and older French and American oak barriques prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
On the nose: earth, herbs, fresh meat, red and black fruit and a hint of star anise. The palate offers bright black and red fruits, spice and herbal notes and a licorice and star anise finish. The 2010 Shiraz is smooth, even and polished with balance and a very pleasing length. It is a middle weight wine with a very balanced palate. It does not aspire to be a blockbuster, which is just how we wanted it. Mix and match with food – game, steak, cheese platter or on its own.
Technical Details
| Picking Date | 19/25th Feb, 3/4/12 and 19th March 2010 |
|---|---|
| pH Level | 3.61 |
| Total Acidity | 6.30 |
| Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
| Bottling Date | 31st March 2011 |
Awards
- Professional Judges Winner – South Australian Wine of the Year Awards 2012
- Top 100 Wine – Advertiser 'Taste' Top 100 Wines
Reviews
- Australian Wine Review by Andrew Graham www.ozwinereview.com April 2012
- Patrick Haddock www.winingpom.com.au 6th March 2012
- The Winefront Campell Mattinson February 20th 2012
- Wine Will Eat Itself 2 The Main Course Jeremy Pringle www.winewilleatitself.com May 28th 2012
- James Suckling from www.jamessuckling.com November 2011
- The Wine Advocate #198 December 2011