Paxton

AAA Shiraz Grenache

Paxton

AAA Shiraz Grenache

Before he began his work in the vineyards, David Paxton worked in the wool trade. The AAA Shiraz Grenache pays homage to this as only the best grades of wool were graded AAA. The AAA Shiraz Grenache is made with organic grapes, a vibrant blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro from some special little pockets amongst the Paxton vineyards.

Wine Production

Individual vineyard parcels of Shiraz and Grenache are fermented in a combination of open top and static fermenters. During this process, each parcel is plunged and/or pumped over twice a day for 14 days, to extract color, flavor and tannin structure. The ferments are pressed to seasoned French oak barriques (225L) and puncheons (500L), where they are nurtured for 9 months prior to blending and bottling.

Tasting Notes

Dark brambly forest fruits intertwined with raw coffee beans, like a trek to the depths of the Balinese mountains. Notes of fresh curry leaves, pine resin, and balsamic notes hint to whole bunches used in the fermentation and completed by a feather-light touch of delicate French oak. Shiraz and Grenache together makes for such a dynamic blend and decadent mouthfeel. Shiraz bringing the mid palate weight and intensity of fruit flavors, while the spicy saffron liveliness of Grenache pulls everything together for a party on your palate. The finish is just like ending your night with smooth electric beats.

Food Pairing

Slow roasted baby back ribs or lentil shepherd's pie.

Before he began his work in the vineyards, David Paxton worked in the wool trade. The AAA Shiraz Grenache pays homage to this as only the best grades of wool were graded AAA. The AAA Shiraz Grenache is made with organic grapes, a vibrant blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro from some special little pockets amongst the Paxton vineyards.

Wine Production

Individual vineyard parcels of Shiraz and Grenache are fermented in a combination of open top and static fermenters. During this process, each parcel is plunged and/or pumped over twice a day for 14 days, to extract color, flavor and tannin structure. The ferments are pressed to seasoned French oak barriques (225L) and puncheons (500L), where they are nurtured for 9 months prior to blending and bottling.

Tasting Notes

Dark brambly forest fruits intertwined with raw coffee beans, like a trek to the depths of the Balinese mountains. Notes of fresh curry leaves, pine resin, and balsamic notes hint to whole bunches used in the fermentation and completed by a feather-light touch of delicate French oak. Shiraz and Grenache together makes for such a dynamic blend and decadent mouthfeel. Shiraz bringing the mid palate weight and intensity of fruit flavors, while the spicy saffron liveliness of Grenache pulls everything together for a party on your palate. The finish is just like ending your night with smooth electric beats.

Food Pairing

Slow roasted baby back ribs or lentil shepherd's pie.

Vineyard & Production Info

Production area/appellation:
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Vineyard name:
Gateway, Jones
Vineyard size:
55 ha, 22 ha acres
Soil composition:
shallow loam over limestone, shallow red sandy loam over limestone, sand over clay
Elevation:
213 - 354 feet
Bottles produced of this wine:
33,500
Certified Eco-Friendly Practices:
yes
Certified Vineyards:
yes

Winemaking & Aging

Maceration length:
14 days
Varietal composition:
51% Shiraz, 40% Grenache, 9% Mourvedre
Fermentation container:
open-top & static fermenters
Maceration technique:
plunged and/or pumped over twice a day
Malolactic fermentation:
full
Fining agent:
vegan
Type of aging container:
seasoned French barriques
Length of aging before bottling:
9 months

Analytical Data

Alcohol:
14 %

About the Vineyard

The Shiraz was selected from the ‘Gateway’ and ‘Jones Block’ vineyards, renowned for producing some of the best fruit in the region. These select parcels were blended with complimentary Grenache to create a wine that is engaging to a wide range of drinkers. The AAA is a fantastic wine when young, with potential to get even better in bottle over 10 years plus.