The 2001 release from Meerea Park was the first of this blend from the Hunter Valley. Viognier is proving to be well suited to the Upper Hunter climate producing fruit with true varietal characteristics. Shiraz Viognier is the blend produced in France's Cote Rotie Appellation in the Northern Rhone Valley.
Fruit Source
Viognier from the 'Lindsay Hill' vineyard near Denman and Shiraz from vineyards in Pokolbin.
Fermentation & Maturation
Viognier pressings are added to the shiraz and allowed to co-ferment. The balance of Viognier added at the first racking to make the final blend. The 2004 consists of 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier and has spent 15 months predominantly in older French oak barriques.
Winemakers Comments
Yields in 2004 were only marginally higher than the drought affected 2003. This was a natural process of the vine allowing it to recover from the stress of the previous vintage. Although the 2004 vintage was not dry as such , with the low yields, the fruit has good concentration, balance and length of palate. The nose is perfumed with floral scents, but the Viognier does not dominate the shiraz nor appear as apricot.
Cellaring
Short to medium term.
What the experts say:
"Light-to medium-bodied; distinctly tangy, though not dense, aromas and flavours; tannins and oak (none new) well controlled; 6% Viognier. Screwcap. Rating 89 Drink 2010. James Halliday-2007 Australian Wine Companion
"The 2004 Hunter red vintage wasn't quite up to the vintages on either side of it, but like all rules - there are always exceptions. This is it. I like this a smidge more than the 2003 - which itself was one of the great value buys of last year. Here the viognier has been toned back, allowing the complex, savoury, earthen Hunter fruit to show itself off, rounds of punchy, plummy, chocolatey flavour keeping the satisfaction levels high. More tannin and better integration of the viogner into the shiraz than was evident in the 2003. Bargain buying again." Drink: 2006-2009 - 90 Points.Campbell Mattinson - Winefront Monthly
"From a more difficult red vintage in the Hunter Valley comes this excellent follow up to the 2003 release (of which I must have consumed about 3 dozen…). It has 6% viognier and is aged in mainly older oak with 15% being new. Bright red purple colour. Aromas of red fruit (cherry/raspberry/cranberry), earth, dried herbs, vanilla and some florals - not much though as the viognier influence is not overt. On the palate medium to full bodied with juicy red fruit flavours, oranges and some more earthy herbal flavours. Coarse grained tannins and fresh acidity. I like the tannins here though as they balance the fruit sweetness well and add authorita. Grippy tannic exit with some refreshing Campari like bitterness. This is an excellent drink with lots of rustic personality and vigour. I'll be happy to drink another dozen over the next couple of years". Rated : 90 Points. Gary Walsh - Winorama - www.winorama.com.au