2017 the eleventh hour
Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
Originally this wine came from the sixty-year-old Shiraz vines from Greenock that were about to be uprooted. They were saved in the eleventh hour and we used the fruit to make this extraordinary wine.
Sub Regions: Greenock Western Ridge, Stonewell, Vine Vale
Winemaking: Shiraz for The Eleventh Hour is sourced from vineyards located in the Greenock, Stonewell and Vine Vale sub regions of the Barossa. The red clay belt of the Western Ridge running down to Greenock creates an ideal environment to grow shiraz, fruit from this region is juicy, spicy and concentrated. Stonewell’s hard red-brown soils adds another layer of complexity to the fruit, while the open soils of Vine Vale give aromatic intensity. Destemming without crushing, we ferment each parcel in separate batches in open fermenters before basket pressing. Aged in seasoned oak, the wine was moved to tank in individual components for several months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.
The Wine: The 2017 shows aromas of black pepper, aniseed and lifted raspberry, roasted coffee and Indian spices. The opulent palate is full of black cherry, raspberry and dark chocolate with typical Barossa black fruits and a rich, supple mouthfeel. Fresh acidity ensures the wine looks bright and fresh if drinking now, without sacrificing the structural components required to reward drinkers for many years to come.
Cellaring: Up to ten years.
“2016 Eleventh Hour - 93 Points
With no new oak used for the élevage, the 2016 The Eleventh Hour, Shiraz features floral aromas, hints of blueberry and black olive. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it achieves a fine balance between fruity and savory, but it still shows the power of the Barossa. It’s about 75% Greenock and 25% Stonewell in origin.”
“2016 the eleventh hour - 94 points
While there’s plenty of dark brooding fruit character, the wine still manages a succulence and elegance, layers of savoury spice, a lick of briary and herbal detail. So much going on in the svelte package and each sip seems to help the wine unfurl a little more in the glass. A beautiful rendition of Baross’a staple. ”
“2016 the eleventh hour - 94 points
100% destemmed, open-fermented, basket- pressed, matured in used oak. The inky crimson-purple colour holds court all the way to the rim, and tells of the sheer (black) fruit power of the palate, liquorice and pepper adding complexity. The mouthfeel is super-velvety, which adds to the density of the fruit. It will be 10 years before it opens the doors for inspection.”
“2016 the eleventh hour - 96 Points
A glorious rendition; the bouquet is lavishly expressed showing black/blueberry, strawberry tart, dark chocolate and cedar characters, leading to a concentrated palate that delivers staggering fruit power and richness, perfectly framed by loads of fine, chalky tannins. Flatteringly flamboyant and immensely delicious ”
“2016 the eleventh hour - 93+ points
Shiraz from Greenock and Stonewell in the Barossa Valley. Open fermented, basket pressed, no new oak, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Old school Barossa, in a new school way.
Barossa shiraz is such a pleasurable beast when it’s allowed to run free. This is the famous fruit in all its deep, dark, blackberried glory. It’s fresh but intense, simple in a straight-shooting way, intricately tannic and lengthy. I’d reckon they’ve nailed it. It’s sturdy but pretty; it drinks ever-so-well.”
“The Voyeur – Virgin Magazine
Produced from 60 year old vines, this wine shows the full flex of deeply flavoured, dark berry, mocha tinged grapes but feels satiny, even with all its intensity.
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“2015 the eleventh hour - 95 points
Destemmed, open-fermented with wild yeast, basket-pressed, matured in used French oak. A very rich and complex full-bodied shiraz, opening with an expressive spice and liquorice bouquet, the palate with a savoury edge within the folds of its black fruits. It has an X-factor of freshness that justifies its points.”
“2015 the eleventh hour - 93 points
Lovely freshness with plummy fruit and an overlay of chocolate and jersey caramel. The flavour concentration is glorious: juicy mulberries, Satsuma plums and a little liquorice. The palate is open natured and soft, with integrated papery tannin plus wonderful vibrancy and energy. An excellent example of contemporary Barossa shiraz.”
“2015 the eleventh hour - 90 points
Old vine shiraz out of the Barossa.
Sweet and ripe. This is luscious red wine drinking. Tar, honey, baked plums and dried herbs. It loads up the palate with flavour, all sweet and loose and delicious.”
“2014 the eleventh hour: 94 points - Bright colour; has the best of both worlds, with the lush black fruits of Barossa shiraz while retaining freshness and poise. Makes its point quietly, not with a sledge hammer.”
“2014 the eleventh hour - 94 points - Shiraz, from a variety of Barossa vineyards. Pure and simple. This pours it on. It feels modern but it also feels intense. If you want to sink your teeth into top shelf Barossa shiraz, in a modern context; check out this wine. Dense plum, tar, cedarwood, cloves, graphite. It strikes the chord and holds it. The flavours hum. if you enjoy Barossa shiraz, you’re as good as guaranteed to respond well to this.”
