2015 Graillot Syrah Heathcote Victoria
This exciting venture is a collaboration between one of the Northern Rhone’s best winemakers, Alain Graillot; with an Australian Vineyard, owned by an Australian Importer. Robert Walters is the owner of one of Australia’s largest wine importers, Bibendum. He has been importing Alain’s wines for years, and when there was a suggestion to make a wine together, they both jumped at the chance. Over the past 4 years they have worked with a special 3.3 hectare plot in Heathcote and the wines have just got better and better with each new vintage.
Alain’s role in this project has been critical – despite the limitations of distance. His input into the vineyard, winemaking and blending had an immediate and major impact and has grown more impactful over the years. Much of his advice has directly contradicted the guidance the team previously received, most notably in the areas of vineyard management, barrel ageing, blending and when and how to bottle. The simple fact is that without Alain, this project would not succeed.
This wine reflects a barrel selection (often corresponding to sections of the vineyard) with the aim of selecting the most refined, perfumed and elegant Shiraz / Syrah. They use large format, older wood for ageing the wines over 13 months. It was vinified with 50% whole bunches, although the aim is certainly not to have any ‘stems’ character. Instead the aim is for finesse, structure and perfume that whole bunches can bring.
This is just a fabulous glass of wine and a great example of the modern style of Aussie Shiraz. This wine bursts with flavours and aromas but there is nothing over the top, rather it is all about elegance and class.
Cellaring Potential
Decant for 20 minutes before drinking. Can be safely cellared for the next 3 years, however it is in the perfect drinking window right now
Food Matching
This elegant silky wine is perfect for long slow cooked roasts of pork or lamb that may even be a little bit fatty (shoulder of lamb and lamb shanks, for example). It suits stews with dark, winey sauces too. Also great with hard cheeses, or quite frankly just by itself.