Colour: Dark cherry red with a mauve hue.
Nose: Dark raspberry fruit, floral pot pourri and with a hint of Turkish delights and a subtle malty oak note. Remarkably poised and fresh with interesting mineral, quartz stone complexity.
In many ways, the introduction of the Peninsula range marks a new chapter in the Crittenden Family’s 30 years of winemaking. As the name suggests, fruit has been sourced from independent Mornington Peninsula grape growers with whom we have a great respect and long standing relationship.
After harvesting, the grapes undergo cold soak in an open tank then ferment slowly over a week or more. On pressing the wine was transferred to seasoned French oak barrels to complete fermentation and add structure to the wine. Only the best barrels were selected for the final wine. Bottled with light filtration, no fining.
Until recent times Teroldego was found exclusively in the Trentino region of Italy. It has a long, fascinating and well-documented history. Now that we have managed to pry a few cuttings from the hands of passionate Trentino producers, the 'Lucky Country' seems a likely place for this variety to flourish like the many talented Italian immigrates that have come before it.
Loaded with chocolate and dark fruit goodness, this Shiraz will age gracefully with ease. The mouth is coated generously, the acid structure indicating a long life ahead too.
Wood and baking type spices add further levels of complexity, though the cedary oak does protrude more than I had hoped. It settled in ensuing days - and that’s when it was drinking its best.
It’s easy to warm to in the end - cold nights, hearty meals and friends... You get the picture
