Technotes SHZ08-ART.Indd

2008 shiraz The 2008 Shiraz is an impressive Shiraz that continues the evolution of this variety at Voyager Estate and in Margaret River. Small batch fermentation and soft winemaking techniques are employed to ensure the fruit aromatics are respected and the fi ne tannins and intense colour are extracted from the grapes. The Wine The fantastic growing conditions and low fruit yields made for an intense wine that exudes dark fruit fl avours of blackberries, blueberries and blood plums. Crème brulée and anise aromas add to the complexity delivered by the use of quality French and American oak over the 12 months maturation period. Superb structure and mid-palate fruit sweetness are supported by soft powdery tannins on the fi nish. Vineyard The stony, gravelly soils of the region are best suited to growing Shiraz in Margaret River. Our seven Shiraz blocks comprise fi ve different clones and are planted on some of our toughest, shallow, gravelly soils which reduce the inherent vigour of this variety. With the cooling sea breezes off the Indian Ocean and intensive viticultural management, including crop–thinning and green–thinning, the vines are sensitively managed to produce an impressive Shiraz that continues the evolution of this variety at Voyager Estate and in Margaret River. Vintage The 2008 growing season started quite cool and damp and by November we were heading into a great Margaret River summer. Beautiful warm–to–hot days, mild nights and a lack of rainfall combined to produce one of the best red wine vintages the region has seen. Yields of Shiraz were a touch lower than normal, averaging fi ve tonnes per Hectare and we saw lovely tannin ripeness develop very early on. This set the scene for the Shiraz to be harvested during the last week of March before any shrivelling of the fruit occurred. The season has delivered exceptional Shiraz with a perfumed bouquet, ripe fl avours and fi ne grained, layered tannins. Steve James Manager of Winemaking and Viticulture with Winemaker, Travis Lemm, and Vineyard Manager, Glen Ryan Variety: 95% Shiraz 5% Malbec Colour: Dark crimson with vibrant purple hues. Nose: Lifted aromas of blackberries, blueberries and crème brulée characters with hints of dusty vanillin oak. Palate: A long and balanced mouthfeel with fantastic rich black fruits on the mid-palate. Hints of spice and anise intertwine with sweet vanillin and cedary oak fl avours that are complemented by soft powdery tannins. Style: 2008 was one of the fi nest Margaret River red vintages, producing a typical Shiraz with blood plum, blueberry and dark cherry fl avours. The classic Margaret River “Indian Summer” conditions have created a wine with elegance, perfume, structure, and colour. Food Match: Lamb shanks, venison or moderately spicy Middle Eastern foods match perfectly with the lifted spice and soft tannin structure of this Shiraz. Alc/Vol: 14.0% pH: 3.7 Total Acidity: 6.5 g/L Harvest Date: 15 - 28 March 2008 Oak Maturation: French and American, 12 months, 40% new Bottling Date: 11 August 2009 Cellaring Potential: Up to 10 years For more information contact: Karin Guder, Sales and Marketing Manager Telephone: +61 8 9385 3133 Email: [email protected] Voyager Estate Cellar Door Michael Wright Voyager Estate is at the forefront in Margaret River From the beginning, owner Michael Wright’s vision has been to deliver team’s attention to detail and a credit to Michael Wright’s vision. a wine experience not previously seen in Margaret River. With over The Voyager Estate Restaurant is consistently recognised as one of 150 years of family farming in his blood, Michael’s fascination with Australia’s best through the numerous awards it has received for the agriculture and in bringing produce to life led him to the wine industry quality of food, wine and service standards. in 1991. In developing Voyager Estate, he has used his extensive knowledge of soils and climate to help him in his choice of vineyard Voyager Estate is also taking signifi cant steps every day to achieve location. This in turn has enabled Voyager Estate to grow the grape its long-term objective of being an environmentally-sustainable wine varieties best suited to the area and to make elegant and sophisticated company. Since 2004, a dedicated environmental management team wines that tell a site-specifi c story. For Michael, bringing his produce has set Voyager Estate on a path towards environmental sustainability to life has meant not only the creation of these sensational wines, and implements leading practices in land care, water recycling, green but also bringing out the best in food and hospitality to share with power and sustainable packaging. New initiatives are constantly the world. evaluated and implemented to help Voyager Estate achieve its environmental ambitions. Voyager Estate is located in the southern part of the Margaret River region in Western Australia, just a few kilometres from the ocean. Michael The Voyager Estate team consists of more than 60 people all settled on the sub-region of Stevens Valley because it had the ideal working to ensure that the extremely high standards set by Michael characteristics to create wines that are at home amongst the world’s are consistently achieved and maintained. It is this dedication to best. The gravel soils, microclimate, aspect, and consistent maritime excellence which has led Voyager Estate to establish itself as one of infl uence are the foundations of the Voyager Estate wine style. Australia’s most memorable wine estates. The viticulture and winemaking teams work as one to create distinctive The Estate wines from each vintage that display an elegance, complexity and Stevens Road, Margaret River 6285, Western Australia, Australia balance that are true to the individuality of the vineyard blocks. The Tel: +61 8 9757 6354, Email: [email protected] genuine dedication to viticulture can be seen in the fruit, which shows Head Offi ce depth of fl avour and fi nesse, and the winemaking approach is subtle, PO Box 319, Cottesloe 6911, Western Australia, Australia yet always being refi ned. Tel: +61 8 9385 3133, Email: [email protected] www.voyagerestate.com.au Voyager Estate’s wines are consistently recognised by highly- acclaimed critics. For close to a decade, Voyager Estate’s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot have received ratings of 93 points and above from Australian wine authority James Halliday and for the last three years he has classifi ed Voyager Estate as an outstanding winery with a ‘red’ fi ve-star rating. Winning numerous winemaking and viticultural awards, including the 2007 Margaret River Viticultural Excellence award, Voyager Estate is dedicated to constantly setting and achieving the highest possible standards and thereby creating highly distinctive wines. When you visit the Estate itself, you will discover you have arrived somewhere inspirational. Every aspect of the Estate, from the Cape Dutch architecture and award-winning restaurant to the stunning gardens and meticulous vineyards, is evidence of the Voyager Estate .

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