2015 Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz

The Massena venture was started by two High School mates, Dan Standish (formerly winemaker at Torbreck) and Jaysen Collins (previously manager at Turkey Flat). The duo are noted for trialling unusual varieties such as Primitivo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Roussanne, Saperavi and Tannat. The sixty year old Shiraz vines from Greenock that produced this wine were ready to be uprooted due to the lack of yields and the reluctance of other companies to pay extra for the A grade fruit. After repeated requests for access to these grapes, at 'the eleventh hour' the owners agreed to stop the bulldozer and retain a small area of vines. No American oak is used at Massena. After 15 months in seasoned French oak the wine was moved to tank in individual components for several months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

Showing superb concentration and power this plush, super ripe Shiraz still manages to stay focused.

Magnificent colour saturation displaying an impenetrable inky black core with a very deep dark purple black hue. Pronounced aromas of ripe black cherries, spicy dark plums and liquorice rise from the glass with ensuing vanillin cedar and dried herb end notes. Boasting enormous richness and power the palate is endowed with luscious liquorice, ripe black cherry and dark plum flavours infused with dark chocolate over a background of vanillin cedar and spice. Thick and opulent yet with a muscular feel and robust tannin structure that’s largely concealed by the huge core of seductive fruit. Very long spicy ripe black cherry, liquorice, dark plum, vanillin oak and subtle pepper aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%