Levantine Hill

Optume Shiraz 2017

The 2017 vintage provided an exceptionally ideal cool and elongated growing season akin to winding the clock back to the classic Yarra Valley conditions of yore. Conditions were perfect for sourcing grapes with the intention of creating a classic style of cool-climate Shiraz reminiscent of the pioneering wines that forged the Yarra Valley’s enviable reputation. Showing volume and weight with finesse and restraint, this perfumed, brooding and enticingly refined medium-bodied Shiraz is the result of an assemblage of three individual vineyard sites, all targeted for their individual defining strengths and characters that would play a role in constructing a complete wine. Fruit was sourced from individually selected sites across the Yarra Valley. Leading with an intensity of white pepper and char, the complex, slowly-evolving nose offers a mélange of mulberry, dried figs, cloves, cardamom and fruit mince pies. The palate delivers a grace and presence with the weight pushing through to a slow-building resonance of flavour and tannin. The density of black fruits is wound tight and integrated so that no one element stands above the others. This wine is suitable for vegans. Decanting is highly recommended.