Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 18
Mount Edelstone is farmed organically and biodynamically at 400 m. Shiraz vines are 106 years old. The ancient 500-million-year-old soils are deep red-brown clay-loam to clay, resulting in low yields from the dry-farmed, ungrafted vines. Hand-harvested in the early morning. Individual blocks were picked and vinified separately. Destemmed and lightly crushed into small, concrete, open-top fermenters, with submerged cap. Pumpovers twice daily. After 7-10 days and just prior to reaching dryness, the fermentations were gently pressed to barrel with the primary fermentation finishing in 77% French and 23% American oak (27% new and 73% seasoned) hogsheads. Aged in barrel for 20 months before blending and bottling. Aged for a further three years in bottle. Screwcap. Garnet with ruby rim. Evolved and complex aromas of sweet leather and spice but under that is violet-inflected black fruit. Lightly minty, too. Deeply aromatic but not strident. Succulent, tannins still al dente, layered and complex. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2037
Vinous 96
This 2018 Shiraz Mount Edelstone is made with fruit from vines planted in 1912. It is a reserved yet highly complex Barossan style bringing broody aromas of roasted meats, soy sauce, blackberry, and fennel seed with oak in good support. Richly powered, it retains its composure while rippling with black olive and blackberry flavors kept in shape by firm chocolaty tannins. A dense and sustained finish confirms an excellent vintage with long cellaring potential.
Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060
