Producenten udtaler:
“Reserve wines are a product of evolution rather than creation...”
In our case, the GR series evolved after 11 years of Shiraz making. The variety which the Barossa is most famous for was also the most widely planted in our family vineyards and when we made our first wine in 1981 we decided to keep parcels of fruit from different vineyards separate. The classification was made in the vineyard on the basis of micro-climate, soil type and viticultural technique, the parcels were processed separately in four tonne fermenters, and matured separately in new and used American hogsheads for varying lengths of time.
Over a decade one parcel of fruit kept grabbing our attention. It came from a small vineyard of less than 5 acres in the foothills of the Barossa Ranges, from old vines on classic Barossa red brown earths overlaying limestone. The vines produce small berries which provide maximum flavour and colour and the breezes on the foothills ensure gradual ripening and fine tannins.
The GR Philosophy
It is not every year that we make a GR. Each vintage the red wines are assessed and a decision is made; is there a parcel of GR quality? We aim to produce a traditional wine which expresses the varietal Shiraz fruit flavour as much as possible. The bouquet should be ripe and powerful, the tannins fine and elegant and a palate that has extraordinary weight and length, balanced, to support and express the fruit flavour.
Awards
This wine comes from a lineage of award winners; in 2004 the 1998 vintage took the title of The Visy Board Great Australian Shiraz Challenge Trophy, and The Frescobaldi Trophy at The International Wine & Spirits Competition in London. Both the 2002 GR8 vintage and the 2004 GR9 were highly rated by James Halliday with 5 stars and a score of 94. Already an award winner, the 2005 is an another exciting addition to this
Reserve Series.
The GR10 Tasting Notes
The near to perfect conditions of the 2004/5 ripening season in the Barossa provided shiraz fruit with full ripe varietal characters, balanced with excellent natural acidity. The deep garnet colour and the ripe blackberry and Marello cherry flavours, together with beautifully balanced tannins promise another super-premium Barossa Shiraz in the Schrapel Family tradition. Decant for three hours before serving to fully appreciate this wine whilst young. Judicious cellaring will amply reward the patient winelover when the wine reaches its peak of flavour and complexity some 15—20 years from vintage.
Vineyard Details
Climate Type………………….Mediterranean—long dry cool summer for ripening
Soil Type………………………..Red brown earth, Solidized solenetz
Vineyard Size…………………8 Ha
Vines per Hectare……………Ave: 1850
Vine Training Method (s)……Two wire vertical – hand spur pruned
Average Yields……………….2 t/Ha
Average Vine Age…………..40 to 60 years old
Winemaking Details
Maturation Time………….…..12—16 months
Oak Type and %……………..American & French hogsheads
No. of Bottles………………….4652
Bottling Date.………………….18/12/2007
Awards
Gold - 2008 International Wine Challenge
Reviews
Lively and attractive red and dark fruits; excellent concentration and thrust, the tannins fine and in balance, as is the alcohol.
Rating: 95 Drink to 2025 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009
Restrained and elegant, with slightly jammy flavours of dark plums, raspberries and cassis backed by sweet vanilla/cedar oak and a light spiciness. Smooth and juicy, its initially plush and polished palate of bright, berry fruit, dusty and slightly varnish oak and fine-grained tannin finishes with pleasing length and a lingering sour-edged aspect. The Australian Wine Annual 2009 88 points |
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