Tasting Notes
A wonderful balance between New World rich fruit and Old World savoury complexity and structure. Black plum, tart boysenberry and red licorice aromas alongside subtle white pepper, tobacco and toasty oak. The palate is full, silky and layered adding caramelized figs, mocha and kitchen spice. Tannins are soft but present. Fresh acidity keeps things bright and focused.
A wonderful balance between New World rich fruit and Old World savoury complexity and structure. Black plum, tart boysenberry and red licorice aromas alongside subtle white pepper, tobacco and toasty oak. The palate is full, silky and layered adding caramelized figs, mocha and kitchen spice. Tannins are soft but present. Fresh acidity keeps things bright and focused.
Varieties
Named “Syrah” in Europe, South America and New Zealand but “Shiraz” in Australia, this is Australia’s well-known and most widely planted variety. Hailing from the South-eastern region of France, it is grown in practically every wine region in Australia – testament to its adaptable nature. In the Yarra Valley, Shiraz is classed as cool climate and boasts a distinctive warm spice and peppery flavour, revered by Shiraz enthusiasts.
Named “Syrah” in Europe, South America and New Zealand but “Shiraz” in Australia, this is Australia’s well-known and most widely planted variety. Hailing from the South-eastern region of France, it is grown in practically every wine region in Australia – testament to its adaptable nature. In the Yarra Valley, Shiraz is classed as cool climate and boasts a distinctive warm spice and peppery flavour, revered by Shiraz enthusiasts.
Region
The Yarra Valley is a well-respected Australian wine region which occupies the eastern half of the Port Phillip viticultural zone in the diminutive state of Victoria. One of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions, the earliest Yarra Valley vineyards were planted in 1838. The climate here is amongst the coolest of any Australian wine region, partly due to elevation—which reaches 500 masl—but mostly due to the hilly topography, which creates shadows, shelter and heat sink.
The Yarra Valley is a well-respected Australian wine region which occupies the eastern half of the Port Phillip viticultural zone in the diminutive state of Victoria. One of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions, the earliest Yarra Valley vineyards were planted in 1838. The climate here is amongst the coolest of any Australian wine region, partly due to elevation—which reaches 500 masl—but mostly due to the hilly topography, which creates shadows, shelter and heat sink.
Vineyard
Dixon Creek is the homestead for Mandala. This 104-acre vineyard averages elevations of 125-160 masl. Comprised of clay loam soil, the vines, averaging 25 years, are hand-pruned, hand-harvested and cultivated at low yield.
Dixon Creek is the homestead for Mandala. This 104-acre vineyard averages elevations of 125-160 masl. Comprised of clay loam soil, the vines, averaging 25 years, are hand-pruned, hand-harvested and cultivated at low yield.
Winemaking
Fruit was chilled upon arriving at the winery, then destemmed and crushed before fermenting in open top vats for 15 days. Gently pressed into French oak barrels (30% new wood) where the wine aged for 18 months.
Fruit was chilled upon arriving at the winery, then destemmed and crushed before fermenting in open top vats for 15 days. Gently pressed into French oak barrels (30% new wood) where the wine aged for 18 months.