$65.00
Variety
100% Shiraz – Light Pass, Barossa Valley
Vineyard
This flagship from the Willows Vineyard is a tribute to `JG`, his sons and grandsons who ran the Willows Hospital for more than 100 years. Planted in 1969, this small shiraz block consistently grows some of the best fruit from our vineyard each year. Clone unknown, the vineyard is planted on red brown loam soil over red clay, producing small loose bunches with great concentration of flavour.
Vintage
A vintage with outstanding quality fruit. The 2017/18 growing season yielded a warm, dry spring following the good rains of winter, setting up beautiful conditions for flowering and fruit set. These warm, dry conditions continued thru Jan & Feb, and were followed by a mild Indian summer during March & early April.
Winemaking
Hand- picked, destemmed to small open fermenters. Hand plunged and fermented to dryness, 12 days total on skins. Basket pressed to barrel. MLF completed in barrel. 24 months in 60% new, tight grained French Oak Hogsheads & Demi Muids.
Tasting Notes
Intense black fruits, dark chocolate, cigar box, give structure to this stylish wine. Subtle French Oak and exceptional palate length, combine beautifully…this wine begs to be cellared.
`Parcel selection from oldest vines; extended maturation in French oak barrels, Big, brawny and ripe. The Willows flagship unites all the density of old Barossa vines with full French oak backing. Blackberries and Blueberries with suggestions of prune and licorice. The full splay of French oak presence in dark chocolate, coffee and cashew nut fills out every crevice of a long and powerful finish, its firm tannin power pack demanding time to integrate. Stand back.` 92/100 JHalliday 2022
`This is gracefully opulent and seductively expressed, showing dark fruit richness with vanilla, chocolate tart, thyme and cake spice aromas on the nose. The full bodied palate is packed with ripe fruit flavours with spicy oak nuances, wonderfully framed by plush mouthfeel and silky tannins. Gratifying and hugely appealing`. At its best:2024 to 2040 Wine Orbit Sam Kim 96/100
