2021 Cooter & Cooter Shiraz, McLaren Vale

A bright and refreshing expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Fruit forward, round and fleshy. Smooth tannins give rise to a long, moreish finish.

97% Shiraz (planted 1996) and 3% Grenache (planted 1945). Hand-picked in mid-late February and fermented with indigenous yeast in open top fermenters, with 12% whole bunch. The Shiraz spent a total of 14 days on skins. While the Grenache (3%) spent 11 days on skins, naturally beginning fermentation on day 3. Pressed together into seasoned puncheons. Matured in 100% 4-year-old French oak for 8 months. Blended just prior to bottling. No fining.

The 2021 ripening season was met with our average rainfall for the first time in at least 3 vintages. Not only did McLaren Vale experience a wet winter, but also a luscious spring and a significantly cooler summer. This created magnificent ripening conditions from fruit set and flowering through veraison to final ripening. Yields were back up compared with the previous few vintages, coupled with arguably the best quality vintage so far this century. While vintage was long and drawn out, it created a relaxed picking environment and enabled superb balance of natural acidity, texture and tannin in the resulting wines.