The inaugural release of Hanging Rock Shiraz was vintage 1987 and what an event it was, immediately claiming gold and inspiring comparisons to Grange by the industry press. From from fruit grown to the estate
Athols Paddock, a complex Heathcote style, more Syrah than Shiraz, boasting several trophies and over fifty gold to its distinguished history, big, powerful and rich, yet exhibiting an elegance and finesse that's rare in Australian wine. Have it today alongside braised hare with a tarragon red wine jus, venison or osso bucco.
Hanging Rock acquired an established vineyard which came up for lease in the 1980s, located on the southern slopes of Mount Camel to the north of Heathcote township. The combination of low rainfall, hot summers and red Cambrian soils formed a challenging environment in which Shiraz vines thrive, albeit producing low yields of small berries with intense flavours. Parcels of crushed and whole berries are treated to a traditional course of open potter ferments through the action of wild indigenous yeasts, pumped over thrice daily for optimal extraction of tight grain tannins. Upon completion, batches are macerated forty days on skins, the finished wine is matured in a selection of new American oak barrels for two years.
Dark plum, deep purple hues. Intense rich, ripe blackcurrant and mulberry aromas over vanilla and spice overtones. The palate is very intense yet well balanced between fruit, chalky tannins and oak. The complex spicy, sweet and savoury flavours of the wine builds in the mouth and crescendos to an remarkably long finish backed by a great acid back bone and tannic structure that asserts Hanging Rock will continue to evolve.
