Companions Shiraz Viognier - 2006

VINEYARDS
Shiraz from the Tullymore vineyard in Clare was blended with a small parcel of Viognier from the Edwards family’s Serendipity vineyard in the Adelaide Hills.

GROWING CONDITIONS
The 2006 growing season in the Clare Valley was widely considered to be excellent, with good spring rains and a warm dry summer combining to provide even and consistent vine growth and fruit ripening. A hot spell in January gave way to mild weather during harvest. Similar conditions were reported in the Adelaide Hills.

WINEMAKING
The Shiraz was fermented in open fermenters and pressed off to stainless steel vats. It underwent malolactic fermentation in vat and was left on its gross lees for approximately 12 months with the addition of premium American oak staves. The lees were stirred only occasionally with the wine then racked and blended with 10% Viognier prior to bottling.

WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES
A gorgeous deep purple in colour. An intensely aromatic nose of mulberry, white pepper and nutmeg with the Viognier adding a subtle ginger spice lift. The palate is well balanced and generous bursting with sweet berry fruit and chocolate notes. Smooth tannins frame this powerful wine that lingers long on the palate. Although drinking well now, this is a wine which will benefit from medium term cellaring.

RELEASED
June 2007

Data sourced from official Kirrihill website.