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Sapphire Label Dorrien Shiraz 2014

Sapphire Label Dorrien Shiraz 2014

Sapphire Label Dorrien Shiraz 2014

Overview

Overview

From Dorrien in the Barossa’s central heart, this is a Shiraz of purity and structure. Expressive aromas of blueberry and raw dark chocolate are complemented by a beautifully proportioned palate with definitive line and structural integrity.

Sourced from four exceptional blocks within a single vineyard site at Dorrien in the central heart of the Barossa Valley. A largely flat area at an altitude of around 260m, with gentle undulations sloping towards the North Para River, Dorrien is geologically stable, predominantly shaped by the flow of the central river over time. The vines are planted in ancient sedimentary soils over 5 million years old, made up of sandy loams over light to medium clays. With a relatively low annual rainfall of around 470mm, low humidity, and optimum sunlight, Dorrien benefits from cooling breezes flowing downriver from the foothills. Together these natural conditions produce elegant, balanced Shiraz, with a purity of fruit and fine, structural tannins.

Harvested at optimum maturity, fruit from each block was crushed separately and fermented in small open fermenters. A mix of gentle plunging and pumping over was used to optimise flavour, colour and tannin extraction, giving the wine rich concentration and depth of fruit while retaining plush, supple tannins. The wines were left on skins until dry to lengthen tannins and enhance palate line and finish.

Varietal Shiraz
Vintage 2014
Country Australia
Region Barossa Valley
Volume 750 mL
Closure Screw Cap
Alc/Vol 14.5%
Peak Drinking Enjoy Now
Winemaker Steven Frost

Awards and Accolades

Awards and Accolades

Gold 2017 CWSA Best Value
Gold 2017 Royal Adelaide Wine Show
Gold 2018 San Francisco Wine Show
Silver 2016 Great Australian Shiraz Challenge
Silver 2016 National Wine Show of Australia
Silver 2017 San Franciso Wine Show
Silver 2017 Decanter Asian Wine Awards
Silver 2017 Barossa Wine Show
Silver 2017 International Wine and Spirit Competition
Bronze 2019 Sydney Royal Wine Show

Food Pairing

Food Pairing

Beef
Lamb
Duck
Veg
Pizza

Taste Description

Taste Description

Nose

Pure, dark fruit aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry, with raw dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee beans, and unobtrusive spicy French oak.

Flavours and Palate

An elegant, multidimensional Shiraz of stature and finesse, the palate is beautifully proportioned, with a purity of intense blue and black fruits, definitive line and a silky texture. A backbone of defined tannins provides structural integrity.

Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking

Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking

Barossa Valley, South Australia

Just one hour’s drive from South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, lies its gourmet capital (and wine Mecca), Barossa. One of the country’s most beautiful and historic wine regions, Barossa is a magnet for lovers of fine food and wine. Its classic Mediterranean climate, and free-draining red brown soils, makes the region ideal for growing grapes. Barossa produces excellent Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Riesling and Semillon.

Good winter and early spring rains set the vines up well, but windy conditions during fruit - set and unseasonal November frosts lowered yields. Warm days and relatively cool nights in late spring and summer, and a cool mid - February with heavy rains delayed harvest and lengthened ripening. Reds are rich and varietal with great colour and structural line.

Steven Frost - Winemaker

Steve grew up in his family's restaurant business in the Yarra Valley where, at an early age, his interest in food and wine was cultivated.
Though it wasn't his first career, growing and making wine was always Steve's passion, with most weekends spent working part-time in vineyards and making wines with friends.
Steve started working in the wine industry full-time in 1999, the same year he started a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) at Charles Sturt University. Drawn to work in the Barossa in 2005, he's been making Wolf Blass reds since 2008. The winery's expansive vineyard resources, modern and traditional winemaking techniques, and careful approach to blending proved just as irresistible then as they do now.