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96
/ 100
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96
/ 100
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94
/ 100
Tasting Notes
VINEYARD
In 2022, we continued with the theme of looking to our past and made Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet as a multi- regional blend. The Shiraz is sourced from some of the best parcels on the Ashmans property, with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from McLaren Vale. The 2022 vintage blend is 70% Shiraz and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The 2022 vintage, in many ways, was a mirror of 2021. With above average rainfall in the winter months, the vines were set up perfectly for the growing season. Cooler temperatures over the summer period meant that there was no rush to begin harvest and we began about seven to ten days later than normal. All the fruit was in remarkable condition with intense fruit flavours coupled with high natural acidity.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
After fermentation in stainless steel vats, both parcels were matured separately before blending in November 2022. The blended wine then finished its maturation in French oak barriques until bottling in April 2023.
TASTING NOTES
A modern interpretation of the Great Australian Red that respects the tradition of varietal blending to make a more rounded wine. The palate has varietal red fruit sweetness from the Shiraz with complex spice. The Cabernet component adds a blue fruit intensity and greater structural tannins which adds to the overall balance of the wine.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Red
Variety: Shiraz Blend
Vintage: 2022
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: Australia
Region: New South Wales, Hunter Valley
Alcohol %: 13.5%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
96 / 100"There is profound wisdom in blending warm, plush McLaren Vale cabernet with vibrant, cool-toned Hunter shiraz. This wine is utterly glorious, fulfilling one's desire for richness and freshness in a mere sip. Utterly drinkable on release, though with the potential for extended cellaring."
- James Halliday's Wine Companion
96 / 100
"Deep purple-red colour; intense clove and pepper aromas, thyme/dried-herb overtones, a flash of cabernet cassis too. The palate is firm on the beginning and finish, intense and concentrated, powerful and very long, with sweet fruit at its heart. A smashing red wine in which the cabernet makes a strong contribution. More full-bodied than most of the 2022 Tyrrell shirazes."
- Huon Hooke
94 / 100
"Blackberry, raspberry and blueberry, aniseed and coal dust, a little gum leaf along with some spice and subtle creamy vanilla oak. Medium bodied, good flavour, a pleasurable amount of chew to the fine sooty tannin, juicy raspberry, balanced acidity and a long finish. Beautifully made. Very much the classic Aussie blend."
- Gary Walsh
