Sparkling Shiraz is one of Australia's great originals. Born in Victoria in the 1880s — long before the rest of the world had any idea what to do with a fizzy red — it was the wine of celebration, of abundance, of a colony finding its own vinous identity. It fell out of fashion for a time, as all great things do, but it never really left. And honestly, it deserves a proper renaissance.
Ours is made in that same spirit of joy. Light on its feet for a red, with a luminous, deep crimson in the glass and a nose that draws you in with ripe dark cherry, a whisper of violets and just a hint of spice. On the palate it's juicy and bright — vibrant fruit that rolls across the tongue, lifted by fine, persistent bubbles that keep you coming back for one more sip. There's energy here, but also a softness; it's never heavy, never serious. It simply wants to be enjoyed.
This is the wine you bring to the party. The one that gets poured before anyone's even found a seat. It's equally at home on a sun-drenched afternoon verandah as it is ringing in a New Year. Serve it lightly chilled — around 14–16°C — and watch the room light up.
Region: Heathcote.
Sub-region: Knowsley, our Lakeside Vineyard.
Our little one acre of Shiraz vines was planted in 2003 by Peter and Sharon Armstead. Located only 150m from the northern banks of Lake Eppalock in Knowsley, this unique easterly facing site has a shallow strip of Cambrian soil snaking through the middle of the vineyard. The remaining soil is clay loam.
Comprising only 25 rows and approximately 600 vines, our vineyard was spur pruned from 2003 to 2018. In the winter of 2018, we decided to transition to cane pruning, for the longevity of the vines. We use no herbicides, hand weed and use only a very small amount of spray to prevent against fungicide and disease in those wet and humid months. Our site is low cropped, allowing the berries to have robust concentration and an incredible, vibrant colour.
Harvest: Early March 2021.
Aged: 4-year-old French barriques for 11 months, 19 months on lees.
Finished: early September 2024.
Closure: Diam, muselet and hood.
Bottles: 1475
Palate: Bright ruby red in colour, bright mulberries, and wild raspberries on the nose. On first sip, your tongue tingles, salivating for more. Juicy, fresh blackberries follow; a softness to the palate. A hint of beetroot, sweet cherries with balanced richness and an oh-so fine bubble.
P • P • P • Classification: Place.
