Saddler’s Creek winemaker Brett Woodward talks about the Hillside vineyard which produced the single vineyard ‘Diamond Edition’ 2018 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz. The Hillside Vineyard in the Hunter Valley where this beautiful single vineyard Shiraz was grown.
The ‘Diamond Edition’ 2018 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz
An elegant Shiraz produced from 55 year old vines, renowned for delivering intensely flavoured wine.
This Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Shiraz is sourced from the remarkable “Hillside” vineyard, planted in 1965. Hillside soils are characterised by red clay loam over a limestone dome. This Shiraz is from the eastern facing, low yielding, blocks towards base of the hill where the vines are protected from the ravages of the afternoon sun.
Tasting Notes
The palate is rich in primary fruits of raspberries and plum supported by an elegant finish from gentle maturation for eighteen months in a new and seasoned French and American oak.
Winemaker Comments
18 was an exceptional vintage for the Hunter Valley with warm dry growing conditions allowing the Hillside Vineyard to produce fruit of amazing quality.
De-stemmed into small open fermenters and cold soaked for three days to retain bright purple hues. Managed with both plunging and pumping over, with a slow 14 day maceration on skins to achieve complex tannin profile.
Maturation for 18 months in a new and seasoned French and American oak.
Limited production 220 cases.
Region
Hunter Valley, NSW
Harvested
8th February 2018
Vineyard
100% Hillside Vineyard, planted in 1965.
Winemaking
Cold soaked for
3 days, following by a 14 day fermentation in open vats.
Maturation
French Oak and American Oak. Matured 18 months.