Thicker Than Water Wines

Squid Ink McLaren Vale Shiraz 2023

Name: With our love for the ocean and the stunning coastline on the cusp of McLaren Vale being the reason for calling this fantastic little town home, it made sense to name our Reserve Shiraz in honour of this. The Squid Ink name originated from the enticing first impression of the black, dye like depth of colour this wine resonates.
Vineyard: This Estate owned vineyard is the epitome of what defines one of the greatest vineyards in Australia where the famous Black Bay of Biscay Clay soil consistently ensures fantastic depth of colour and flavour. Positioned at about 120m above sea level and 8kms inland this North/ South facing vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale is referred to by some local friends as ‘Mayfair’. Implementing sustainable viticulture and having true respect for the value of our vineyards and the fruit they create. The 2021 vintage delivered a respectable crop size and exemplary quality in our Shiraz blocks. With near perfect ripening conditions with mild temperature and cool nights the vines thrived.
Winery: In the winery the Squid Ink Shiraz fruit is treated with utmost respect, ensuring quality from start to finish. In open ferments the fruit has a 2-day cold soak prior to slow, cool (18 degree) fermentation for gentle extraction of colour flavour, and tannin into the wine. Batches are kept separate where 5 different yeasts strains are used to enhance complexity and mouth feel of the wine. Following fermentation, the wine is then matured in the finest predominately new American oak barrels for 18 months.
Winemaker: Campbell Greer.
Vintage: 2023
Variety: Shiraz 100%
Maturation: 18 Months in American Oak Hogsheads, 55% new oak, 45% older oak.
Region: McLaren Vale 100%
Alcohol: 14.5%
Colour: Deep intense dark, almost black with a purple hue.
Nose: Lifted and expressive Boysenberry compote with swirls of liquorice.
Palate: Once again, there is a timeless symphony between the fruit concentration and the oak. A non-disruptive flow from fruit to oak, channels the mouth through the full length of the palate. Your undivided attention is needed here as the complexity deepens with each sip, pulling on the umami flavours and building on an exciting and developing profile.
This wine, like our lives, is wonderful in youth, but with patience and development of the wines fruit, along with the integration of the finest of oak this wine will also age wonderfully and reward those that wait.
Potential: 10plus years.