EJ Shiraz
2021 Shiraz
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Our flagship limited release EJ Shiraz made from Shiraz vines planted in 1887. Delicate front exploding with a concentration of savoury fruit, supported by full, silky tannins unique to old vine wine.
Description
Our flagship wine, the EJ Shiraz is named after David Paxton’s mother and family matriarch Elizabeth Jean.
A limited release wine, the EJ Shiraz is sourced from vines originally planted in 1887 from our Thomas Block vineyard, which is renowned for producing fruit of exceptional flavour and natural balance. The Shiraz vines are amongst the oldest in McLaren Vale – and indeed the world –and are carefully hand pruned and thinned to ensure the low and uniform yields required for super premium Shiraz.
Although still very young, the wine shows classic McLaren Vale Shiraz characteristics, with an elegant, delicate front exploding with a concentration of savoury fruit, supported by full, silky tannins unique to old vine wine.
An exemplary Shiraz not to be missed!
Wine Details
- Region McLaren Vale, South Australia
- Vintage 2021
- Type Red Wine
- Variety Shiraz
- Variety Composition
Organic | Biodynamic
- Vegan Friendly ✔
- Organic Wine ✔
- Volume 750ml
- Alcohol Volume 14%
- PH
3.52
- Standard Drinks 8.3
- Acidity
6.05
- Sugar
3.7
- Closure ScrewCap
- Vintage Notes
2021 was one of those dream vintages that don’t come along every year; cool, refreshing nights and dreamy, sun-kissed days without any extended stretches of intense heat. After a warmer than usual November there were only four days above 40 degrees. It was mainly dry throughout the ripening season with the odd spattering of just enough rain to keep the grapes beautifully plump, juicy and full of bright fruit flavours and time to dry out in between so disease pressure was low. The gentle undulation between these varying temperatures and perfectly healthy canopies allowed us to really ponder picking times, spending plenty of time out in the vineyard tasting grapes getting the timing of picking just right. The generous harvest has rewarded us with delightfully delicate fruit and varietal characters, with each variety singing its own tune. Natural acids are in perfect balance and the smooth, sensuous tannins completed by an epic energetic vibration that we can’t wait to share with you.
- Vineyard Notes
137 year old vines from Thomas Block, Sand Road McLaren Vale
- Colour
Deep inky crimson red with scarlet sparkles
- Bouquet
Think sitting down for a tisane and petit fours on the Champs-Elysee in Paris, raspberry and meringue tartlets with blackcurrant coulis and a dusting of pink pepper and sandalwood.
- Palate
The strength, wisdom and elegance twisted into the 137 year old trunks of the Shiraz from which this wine is made are reflected in the intense fine line which runs through the palate. A complex twisting of liquorice root and dusty tannins, and a hint of vanilla seeds freshly scraped from a pod, the intense explosion of concentrated flavour manages to feel refreshing and light, dancing on the palate like Sergei Polunin in Le Corsaire.
- Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential
GOOD: Christmas 2023 - BETTER: Winter 2025-2029 - BEST: 2030-2040
- Food Matches
Eye Fillet Steak or Beef Cheeks
- Vinification
Hand-picked on two different occasions to ensure perfect balance of flavour, the grapes were destemmed and fermented as whole berries in small open fermenters with indigenous yeast. Delicately foot plunged daily for two weeks before soft pressing straight to elegant French oak barriques for malolactic fermentation and further ageing for 18 months. Each singular barrel was then tasted to determine the perfect blend before settling in bottle for a further 4 months before release. 70 cases made.
- Music Match
MUSIC MATCH: Minor Gold — Way With Words
- Winemaker
Ashleigh Seymour