St Hallett is celebrating its inaugural annual vintage release by unveiling two new vintage wines and three brand new releases.
New vintages of the acclaimed 2016 Old Block Shiraz and 2018 Blackwell Shiraz will sit alongside the brand new 2018 Higher Earth Syrah, 2018 Mighty Ox Shiraz (1.5L) and St Hallett’s most luxurious Shiraz to date, 2015 Planted 1919, in the 2020 release.
St Hallett Senior Winemaker, Helen McCarthy said: “The St Hallett winemaking philosophy is relatively simple, minimal intervention and maximum attention. We tailor fermentation and maturation to each parcel of the highest quality fruit to reveal the rich textures, depth and diversity of Barossa fruit.
“With every vintage our winemaking team learn more about the influence of the site on the flavour and quality of the wines. We are thrilled to be sharing some of our best wines yet in the 2020 annual vintage release.”
Of the new wines, the 2018 Higher Earth Syrah offers “a bouquet of dark cherry and raspberry fruit with pepper characters”.
McCarthy is particularly passionate about the Eden Valley region and has developed thsi wine to showcase the unique flavours and tannins of the area.
The 2018 Mighty Ox Shiraz (1.5L) is sourced from vineyards north-west of the Barossa Valley at elevations between 250m and 310m above sea level. This helps to develop a lush, full-bodied wine with “prominent oak characters of vanilla and dark chocolate”.
Finally the Planted 1919, described as St Hallett’s most exquisite Shirax to date, is sourced from Barossa vines that are over 100 years old.
McCarthy said of this wine: “St Hallett has long understood the importance of nurturing old vines and crafting wines that pay homage to the Barossa Survivor (70+ years) and Centenarian (100+ years) vines that have stood the test of time, and Planted 1919 is a perfect example of this.
“Limited to just 360 bottles Australia wide and 1,200 globally, this will be St Hallett’s most luxurious Shiraz ever released.
“Synonymous with Eden Valley fruit parcels, Planted 1919 exhibits fine flavours of dark fruits and dried herbs and gives way to a flinty and wet stone texture supported by a fine, pure fruit line.”
The St Hallett annual vintage release wines, including the 2016 Old Block Shiraz (RRP $159.00), 2018 Blackwell Shiraz (RRP $54.99), 2018 Mighty Ox Shiraz (RRP $210.00) and 2018 Higher Earth Syrah (RRP $60.00) will be available from November 12 in major retailers and select independent stores nationally. Planted 1919 (RRP $450.00) will be available from the St Hallett cellar door and limited to fine wine retailers.