2014 R. Lane Vintners Westgate Vineyard Shiraz – MAGNUM

This is a 1500mL (magnum) size bottle.

The Westgate Vineyard, in the hills south of the town of Great Western in the Grampians, has been consistently and unquestionably the highest quality grape source for the Story Wines over the twelve years I have made wine from the region. In 2014 the vines yielded a meagre tonne and a bit per acre, due to wet and cold early season conditions, so volumes were down, but intensity more than compensated. I split the harvest into 3 batches, some destemmed, some with a small percentage of whole bunches and then a smaller amount fermented as all whole bunches. All were fermented with ambient yeasts. From these three ferments I had ample elements with which to make a final cuvée. The batches were individually matured for twelve months in barrel (a mixture of French puncheons and barriques) before a final best barrel selection was blended and held in tank for a further four months. In 2014 it comprised 60% whole bunches, and approximately 20% new oak. It was then bottled with no fining or filtration. I believe this is the best wine I have made to date, and as such it is the wine I am proud to put my name to.

Only 12 made.

– Vine Age 45yrs
– 14.0% alc.
– pH 3.50
– Total Acidity 5.7g/l
– 20% new French oak
– 11 months in oak, 3 in tank prior to bottling