Media Release
$540 and 1 point less than Grange!
We very rarely talk about wine critics points in front of other wine writers (as everyone has their own palate, opinion and scoring systems) but sometimes you're just so pleased about something you have to say it out loud…
In the recent The Big Red Wine Book, the new Tintilla Estate Patriarch Syrah 2007, was awarded 94 points.
Just one point less than Grange, despite being only $60 and just the second vintage made of the Tintilla flagship red!
Of course it's not just the second vintage of the variety shiraz from Tintilla, as Robert and James Lusby have been carefully nurturing their shiraz vines and creating their version of the iconic Hunter Valley Shiraz for over 14 years now.
It was back in 2005 that the Lusby family considered the fruit from their shiraz vines to be so exceptional that they kept a small batch of 90 cases aside and made a stellar version, only to be released in the very best vintages. 2007 was seen as just a good a vintage and again a Patriarch Syrah was produced, this time 100 cases are now available.
The name 'Patriarch' was given to this wine to symbolize its pedigree and help set it apart from the other wines. James Lusby also comments, "The name is also a nod towards Dad's family tradition of naming his wines after his children, it was only fitting that the flagship red should be named after him. We have also used the traditional name 'Syrah' as a mark of respect to the early Hunter pioneers who recognized its affinity with the Hunter soil and climate."
"A vintage like 2007 doesn't come along every year; the drought and sunshine led to optimal fruit conditions, outstanding concentrated fruit flavours and the opportunity to make a wine with a great life expectancy. The wine has lived up to our expectations; concentrated and intense flavours with well integrated oak, smooth like a classic Hunter with great line and length."
The end result was achieved by transferring the grape must to an open fermenter for gentle hand plunging and limited pump over. 30% was then racked to new French and American oak barrels to complete fermentation, with the remaining being passed through a basket press to wood for malolatic fermentation and subsequent ageing. After the first year the best three barrels were selected for extended ageing and racked into new French oak for a second year.
Secure some of the very small quantity produced now, before it disappears and save it for a special occasion…say Fathers Day on Sunday 5th September !?
Tintilla Patriarch Syrah 2007 Hunter Valley - $60
Availability:
Wholesale Tintilla Estate (02) 6574 7093 or email info@tintilla.com.au
Cellar door 725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Direct www.tintilla.com.au
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