Gilbert Orange Shiraz 2018 Wine Australia 75cl

Gilbert Family Wines have their roots in the Eden Valley of South Australia, where Joseph Gilbert was one of the first to plant grapes. They still make delicious Rieslings there under the Gilbert + Gilbert label. Now, however, the majority of their wines come from the fashionable regions of Orange and Mudgee in New South Wales. Simon Gilbert established the winery in 2004 after working for more than two decades as winemaker for some of the top producers in the area. Simon and his son, Will, specialise in cool climate wines  with a common thread of  elegance, purity and structure This winery is right at the front of Australia's new wave, making a wide range of wines which balance traditional styles and techniques with the more experimental.

The grapes are grown 800-900 metres above sea level in the foothills of Mount Canobolas, making these some of the highest red wine vineyards in Australia.  The soil here is rich in ferrous volcanic matter and the climate cool with long sunshine hours, making this the perfect environment for production of top quality, elegant Shiraz.

The grapes were destemmed and pressed after a 48-hour cold soak. The warm fermentation took place with some whole bunches in open-top fermenters, plus a little in barrel before a traditional basket-press. The wine was aged in 25%  new French oak.

Grape: Shiraz

Tasting Note: Deep yet elegant with notes of cassis, white pepper and loganberry with cool, refined tannins and subtle meaty spice on the long, supple complex finish.

Food Match: Ideal with roasted goose or beef in blackbean sauce.

Closure: Screwcap