2014 CRFT Fechner Shiraz, Eden Valley

Fechner Vineyard is owned and farmed by brothers Michael and Graeme Fechner near Moculta in the northern end of the Eden Valley.

The Fechner Vineyard is unique, being one of only a few eastern-facing vineyards in the Eden Valley region. The eastern slope offers cooler daytime temperatures together with higher altitude and cool valley winds, which produces optimum growing conditions for Shiraz.

Hand-picked and destemmed to an open-top tank for fermentation and gently hand plunged two to three times daily.

Pressed directly to oak with 3 weeks barrel fermentation followed by 10 months maturation – 60% French, 40% American, with 20% new oak.

Unfined, unfiltered, vegan Bottled:  2nd February 2015 Production:  1,466 bottles – 120 dozen

Somewhat shy at first, our Eden Valley Shiraz playfully opens with cardamom, tea leaves and dense dark berries. The mouth has a burst of sweet velvety fruit, charred with dark chocolate-coated oranges and layered with earthy tannins, just like the site. Every glass offers more to an unfolding journey, elegantly rich and alluring.

Drinking: Enjoy now or cellar to 2044 Alcohol: 13.5% alc/vol           

97 points James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion.

95 points Jane Faulkner, for Wine Companion

95 points Huon Hooke

94 points  Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front