Winner’s Tank Shiraz
Winner’s Tank
100% Shiraz
Langhorne Creek, Australia
2008
Producer Notes
Winner’s Tank is another recent discovery that highlights what can be accomplished when an extremely talented winemaker gets his hands on some premium, Langhorne Creek fruit. Winner’s Tank is a new venture between Reid Bosward of Kaesler vineyards, and David and Cathy Knight, owners of the Winner’s Tank site. Bosward is consulting on the project as David Knight completes enology courses and moves into the winemaking arena. The name relates to an old water tank that sits in the corner of the vineyard. In true Aussie spirit, a strong rivalry exists between the three neighboring towns in the local Australian Rules Football competition. Each year the winning team heads out to the vineyard to paint the tank in their team colors.
Winemaking
The wine was fermented under temperature controlled conditions and then briefly aged in French wood to produce a fruit driven style that shows more of the ripe shiraz characters, little oak impact, a smooth textured, glycerin laden mouthfeel and early drinking. The wine has been bottled under stelvin to preserve the fruit character while eliminating spoilage and bottle variation arising from cork taint.
Viticulture
The grapes were harvested from David and Cathy Knight’s estate vineyards. Langhorne Creek Shiraz generally suits this style of wine well as Shiraz fruit from the region has no problem reaching this level of ripeness displaying ripe berry characters. Furthermore Langhorne Creek Shiraz characteristically has a soft tannin structure that contributes to mouthfeel and early drinkablity.
Analytical
Grapes: 100% Langhorne Creek Shiraz from a low yielding, low vigor single vineyard
Yields: 3 tons/acre
Aging: minimal aging in French wood
Vintage: It was an early, compressed vintage period for Langhorne Creek through February and March only. 2008 was a vintage of extremes, but resulting in a surprisingly good tonnage and some excellent parcels of fruit.
Alc/Vol: 16%
Press
90 Pts. “Ripe but youthfully clenched aromas of cherry compote, singed plum and dark chocolate, lifted by pepper and gingerbread notes. Rich, deep and seductively lush, with enticingly sweet dark berry fruit and a mouthfilling texture that’s rare for a wine at this price point. Suave and expansive, finishing with gently sweet tannins and spicy building length.”
— International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2009
WineChump Notes
This is yet another Australian Shiraz that hits the ball out of the park. This is a fantastic wine at a great price.
Average Price: $12.99
Find it at MyCanals.com