Dalton Reserve Shiraz  

THE VINEYARDS:
The Grapes for the Reserve Shiraz come form French clones which grow at an altitude of 750 meters, in vineyards located in Kerem Ben Zimra. As Shiraz is a very vigorous variety, much attention is paid to limiting and restricting the fruit yield in order to improve the concentration of flavour and quality of the wine.

WINEMAKING:
Due to the proximity of the vineyards to the winery the grapes were transported to the winery in a matter of minutes after picking. Fermentation lasted 10 days during which time the cap was kept constantly soaked using a rack and return method in order to extract as much colour as possible. After fermentation the wine was transferred to new French oak barrels where I was allowed to mature for about 14 months. After which the wine was blended with 5% viognier. Shiraz has a tendency to become a little stinky and barnyard like during its development, this was not discouraged.

TASTING NOTES:
Shiraz is showing a rich complex jammy fruit character harmoniously balanced by earthier notes of tobacco, leather and liquorice. It is a rich powerful wine with soft integrated tannins giving a spicy velvety feel and a long finish.

-From the producer