The 20 Rows Shiraz block vas planted in 1962 on the Langhorne Creek flood plain, which is managed to receive late winter and early spring flood water from the Bremer River assisted by a series of channels and weirs. This is a special and unique terroir which has been producing wine this way since the mid 1800's. The vineyard area of Langhorne Creek today has expanded well outside this original flood plain and the growing conditions in the new vineyards are quite different. One could make a good argumentfor the appellation Langhorne Creek to be used exclusively for the historic flood plain land. The 20 Rows' vines are quite Iow yielding for the area at around 3-4 tons/acre. They are growing on their own roots as the region is free of phylloxera. The soil in this vineyard is a deep alluvial clay loam with an almost shimmering quality about it which produces small, black-coloured and perfectly formed Shiraz berries, packed with flavour.
Winemaking
Noon Reserve Shiraz is matured in small (300 lite) French and American oak barrels for 18 months. We use approximately 30-40% new oak for this wine, with the aim of adding complexity and structure without dominating the fruit flavour. Each year we work closely with the Borrett family to choose the ideal harvest time. Fermentation takes place in our small open vats which are hand plunged to help extract the naturally abundant colour and tannins present in the grapes. After fermentation is complete (typically 10 to 20 days) pressing is done by hand using small manual basket presses and care is taken not to extract too much bitterness or astringency by rough handling and over-pressing. The wine is crushed, fermented, matured and bottled on our property.
Ageing
Noon Reserve Shiraz is matured in small (300 lite) French and American oak barrels for 18 months.
