Tasting note
Unctuously sweet fortified Shiraz, spicy and full of dried fruit, including figs and apricots, rounded out with nuts and spice.
Viticulture
08' brings a dual vintage tale for McLaren red wines. Adequate winter rain nurtures vines, ensuring healthy canopies. A cool spring and January-February maintain low sugar and high acidity. A March heat wave prompts hurried picking, yielding rich, ripe characters. Footbolt blends early and late-picked parcels, achieving balance with ripe characters in check.
Vinification
Small grape batches are gently crushed and transferred to open fermenters. Foot treading occurs during fermentation. After basket pressing, a bit of brandy spirit is added to halt fermentation, retaining the sweet fruit richness. No wood aging before bottling.
Food Match
Chocolate desserts or blue cheese.