McHenry Hohnen, Hazel's Vineyard Syrah 2018

Hazel's Vineyard Syrah 2018, McHenry Hohnen

Margaret River, Australia

Grape Variety: Syrah (Shiraz)

Alcohol: 13.8% ABV

The Story

Biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, single vineyard wines of Margaret River.

Since its inception McHenry Hohnen has had an unwavering focus on crafting site expressive wines. As the vines age and the soils continue to evolve, the individuality and beauty of the land continually develop in our wines.

The wines of McHenry Hohnen are sourced from the family estate consisting of three vineyards, all located in the southern part of the Margaret River Wine Region: Hazel’s Vineyard and Farm, Calgardup Brook Vineyard and Burnside Vineyard. For decades, founder and owner Murray McHenry has been a leading proponent in pushing the viticultural boundaries of this pristine region. While the portfolio is grounded in Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties, McHenry Hohnen are also well regarded for less traditional varieties for this region such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache, Mataro and Zinfandel.

McHenry Hohnen see their role as stewards of the land and have implemented organic farming practices for many years to create the optimal conditions for soil health and the quality of the grapes harvested. The winemaking team craft wines that pay homage to the site of origin and use low impact techniques combined with an acute attention to detail to achieve the goal of the finest site specific wines.

Whilst the story of McHenry Hohnen is steeped in the history of the region, we look to the future with anticipation as our soil, vines and wines continue to evolve.

Vineyard & Winemaking

100% Hazel’s Vineyard - biodynamically farmed and McHenry Hohnen's southernmost vineyard. These Syrah vines grow on coarse lateritic soils with a northerly aspect.

Sourced from a single block of bio-dynamically grown Shiraz at Hazel’s Vineyard. The fruit was hand harvested and a concrete fermenter was then filled to the brim with 80% whole bunch fruit. The fermenter was then sealed for several days to allow for carbonic maceration within the berries. Gentle extraction followed for 10 days. After pressing, the
wine was aged in a single 2800L French Oak Cask for 9 months, before racking and a small sulphur addition. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring a living reflection of a block we consider special and unique.

Tasting Notes:

A hyper-perfumed nose, with lifted lavender, dark liquorice and cinnamon spice entwined with a savoury note of olive tapenade and roasted nuts. The palate opens with black cherries, plums and a velvety mocha note, followed by pepper spice and fine tannins. A wine unlike any other in the region and a true reflection of the ‘Syrah’ style.

Cellaring & Service

Cellaring Potential: 10-15 years

Serving Temperature: 16–17°C

Allergens: This wine contains sulphites