Bannockburn De La Roche Shiraz 2015

Bannockburn De La Roche Shiraz is a single-vineyard Geelong Shiraz from vines planted at ten thousand to the hectare.

The numbers here are the story. Ten thousand vines to the hectare on this 0.8-hectare block means each plant carries 500 grams of fruit or less. For comparison, the estate's old Range vineyard Shiraz, already low-cropping, sits nearer 1.5 to 2 kilos a vine, and two to four kilos is normal in Australia. The site lies above the De La Terre slope, a westerly extension of Serré, planted in 2007 from Best's and Tahbilk cuttings on a mix of rootstock and own roots, and the name translates roughly as of the rocks, after the volcanic stone littering the soil. Fermented with half whole bunches, pressed after a fortnight, then sixteen months in 500-litre puncheons with a quarter new.

Concentrated but not heavy: dark plum and black pepper with a savoury, stony core and long, fine tannins. Decant an hour ahead and serve at 16 to 17 degrees. Roast lamb shoulder, venison, or mushrooms and lentils with thyme.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.