Balthasar Shiraz Viognier

{Awards Tally}

Silver Medals 3
Bronze Medals 20

{Tasting Notes}

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Wines of Distinction Balthasar Shiraz Viognier

{THE FRUIT}

The Balthasar Shiraz Viognier; one of Grant Burge’s ‘Wines of Distinction’ is based on the elegance of the Eden Valley region of the Barossa. With this wine Grant is looking to produce a Barossa wine using some European winemaking techniques to further enhance the versatility of Barossa Shiraz, for which the area is renowned. The 2006/7 growing season saw the Barossa in extremely dry conditions which led to low yielding crops and subsequent small berry sizes. However, the resultant wines show intense flavour characters and are balanced with good tannin backbone. The blend for this 2007 Balthasar is 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier; sourced from long time growers with the majority of the fruit grown in the cooler Eden Valley.

{THE WINEMAKING}

The uniqueness of the Balthasar stems from its beginnings and starts with co-fermentation of the Shiraz and Viognier grapes. Together the Shiraz and Viognier grapes were crushed and fermentation began- this co-fermentation method is designed to enhance the integration of the varietal characters in the resultant wine. The tanks were then pumped over 3 times per day for a period of 7 days. After pressing, the wine was filled to French oak, with approximately 60% of the blend in new French oak hogsheads, 20% into a new 2500ltr French oak vat and the balance was filled into 2 year old French oak hogsheads. Further to this, the wine was left on fine lees for approximately 6 months, before the wine was racked and out back into the same oak for a further 12 months maturation.

{THE COMMENTS}

The 2007 Balthasar Shiraz Viognier is bright red with purple hues. The delicately perfumed nose shows aromas of violets, ripe red berry flavours, dried woody spices, cinnamon and ground nutmeg, as well as hints of dark chocolate. Also present are subtle tones of old polished leather, ash and the earthiness of chocolate truffles. The palate is velvet like with round raspberry fruit flavours, earthy tones and a hint of cherry ripe. The tannins are very soft, a by-product of Viognier co-fermentation; the wine is well balanced with an enticing lingering finish. This 2007 Shiraz Viognier shows a different side of Shiraz from the Barossa region, drinking well on release and will reward from careful cellaring for up to 7 years. The European styling suggests the wine is an ideal accompaniment to food and should be enjoyed with flavoursome dishes such as char-grilled sirloin with king brown mushroom and black truffle butter.

{THE REVIEWS}