Alkoomi Collection Shiraz 2022

Accolades

Ray Jordan – 94 Pts
Beautiful medium bodied shiraz showing the structure and fruit expression you associate with this region. Spicy ironstone aromas with light plum and mulberry nuances. A little lift on the nose comes with the small addition of viognier. Perfectly integrated oak and fine chalky tannin create the support for a long palate

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Deep, rich red with purple hues, reflecting the intensity of the fruit.
• Aromatics: A lovely bouquet of violets, black cherries, and a touch of peppery spice, with hints of mixed macaron and chocolate-covered cherries.
• Palate: The palate is lush with dark berry flavours, supported by a savoury mid-palate and the richness of dark chocolate. Dusty French oak adds a soft yet impactful layer to the wine, while the bright freshness keeps the wine lively and balanced.
• Finish: Smooth, with chalky tannins providing structure, and the flavour lingering on the finish for a satisfying conclusion.

Food Pairing

• Flame-Grilled Steak: This Shiraz is a match made in heaven with a flame-grilled steak, especially when paired with blue cheese butter, enhancing the savoury richness of both the wine and the dish.
• BBQ Meats: Perfect with a charred BBQ platter, where the spice and fruit profile of the wine will complement the smoky, grilled flavours.
• Rich Sauces: Serve with lamb in a rich, peppery sauce or a mushroom and cream-based pasta. The wine’s complexity balances out the richness of these dishes.
• Cheese: Try with aged cheddar or a crumbly blue cheese, where the wine’s tannins cut through the creaminess.

Vineyard & Winemaking

The 2022 Shiraz is sourced from estate-grown fruit, carefully selected to ensure only the highest quality parcels are included. The grapes were harvested early in the morning to retain freshness and then co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier, which adds a lift to the aromatic profile. The wine spent 14 months maturing in new French oak, which has helped integrate the flavours and smooth out the tannins.

Oak Maturation: Aged for 14 months in new French oak, contributing to the wine’s smooth tannin structure and rich, complex flavours.
Fermentation: Co-fermented with Viognier to enhance the aromatics and add a unique twist to the typical Shiraz profile.
Harvest: Hand-harvested early in the morning to preserve freshness and optimise flavour.

Technical Data

• Grape Variety: 96% Shiraz, co-fermented with 4% Viognier
• Region: Great Southern, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 14.5% by Vol | 8.6 Standard Drinks
• pH: 3.53
• Titratable Acidity: 6.2 g/L
• Cellaring: Enjoy now or cellar for 5-8 years for added complexity and depth.

Vintage Conditions:
The 2022 vintage benefitted from classic cool climate conditions, with ample rainfall, cold temperatures, and a dry, sunny autumn. These conditions led to slow, even ripening and the production of high-quality, concentrated fruit with low sugars, perfect for crafting a Shiraz of balance and structure.

Best Serving Temperature

Ideal Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
Serving at a slightly cooler temperature will enhance the wine’s fresh fruit profile, while allowing the complex tannins and oak to shine.

Technical Wine Language Explained

• Co-fermentation: The process of fermenting different grape varieties together to enhance aromatics and create a more complex wine. In this case, Viognier was co-fermented with the Shiraz to add floral lift.
• French oak: Oak barrels from France, used for ageing the wine to impart subtle flavours of spice, vanilla, and complexity, without overpowering the fruit.
• Titratable acidity: A measure of the wine’s acidity, which influences its balance and freshness. This wine has well-balanced acidity that supports its fruit profile and smooth tannins.