Cracker Barrels

2023 Shiraz Cabernet, McLaren Vale, South Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon 66% and Shiraz 34%. This limited release showcases beauty, harmony and elegance in a classic Australian Shiraz blend. Depth, complexity aged for 18 months.

Description

The extremely limited Cracker Barrels is the result of winemaker Ashleigh Seymour selecting up to 4 barrels which she considers to be of the highest quality or ‘Crackers’ each vintage.

Awards

Wine Orbit

95 Points

Wine Showcase Magazine

94 Points

Halliday Wine Companion

92 Points

Details

• RegionMcLaren Vale, South Australia
• Vintage2023
• TypeRed Wine
• VarietyShiraz Cabernet
• Variety CompositionOrganic | Biodynamic
• Vegan Friendly✔
• Organic Wine✔
• Volume750ml
• Alcohol Volume14%
• pH3.57
• Standard Drinks8.3
• Residual Sugar2
• ClosureScrewCap
• Vintage NotesLow and slow. The 2023 growing season was a time for viticulturalists to show off their impressive skills. From a cold and wet, seemingly never-ending winter to a Spring which seemed like it was still winter, a long, cool Summer which seemed like Spring, challenges were abound. Numerous climatic challenges including cool and windy weather during flowering, one of the wettest Springs for 30 years and even more windy weather in Summer meant that crops were small but our organic and biodynamic farming methods paid off — our vines showed incredible resilience to whatever came their way. A season that was around three weeks late on average and had a much slower ripening period means that 2023 wines show great acid, complex layers of delicate flavours, lightness, brightness, and longevity.
• Vineyard NotesShiraz Thomas Block EJ, Cabernet Jones Block Don’s Corner
• BouquetThe nose of this wine tantalises the senses with a mesmerizing bouquet. Like walking into a pastry shop, aromas of plum crostata and salted caramel mingle with the earthy allure of sandalwood and bay thyme. Notes of cracked coriander seeds and curry leaf add an exotic twist, while hints of loganberries and grenadine dance in the background, promising a symphony of flavours.
• PalateBuilding like a suspense thriller, louder and louder until the inevitable explosion and post-chaotic calm. Initially chewy, tight and grippy tannins build to a crescendo before mellowing out to hints of biochar, heady musk, dusty sandalwood and a moreish acid touch.
• Peak Drinking / Cellaring PotentialGOOD: 2024-2025 - BETTER: 2026-2029 - BEST: 2030-2040
• VinificationThe Biodynamic Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon single vineyard parcels are hand-picked and fermented separately in small open fermenters, delicately hand plunged and tasted daily until beautiful balance is achieved. After pressing, the wine is racked into French oak barriques of varying ages for malolactic fermentation and subsequent ageing. After 15 months resting, each barrel is carefully evaluated by our winemaking team to determine the perfect match 
for this quintessential Australian blend.
• Music MatchSimply the Best — Tina Turner
• WinemakerAshleigh Seymour