Utopos Icon E 2018

The 2018 harvest brought immense satisfaction to vintners and viticulturists alike, presenting both abundant yields and superior quality. Generous winter rainfalls, followed by a dry spring and warmer December, propelled swift canopy growth. This led to fruitful vine flowering, producing numerous bunches. The warm summer transitioned into a serene, Indian summer-esque climate in March and early April. Such temperate conditions bestowed wineries with impeccably ripe grapes.

In such a stellar year, the Utopos Vineyard effortlessly lived up to its reputation. Wines from this vintage boasted robust structure, vivid flavors, and deep hues, all underscored by the signature natural acidity that has become synonymous with this illustrious terrain.

The ethos for crafting wine here revolves around harnessing the vineyard's annual offerings to create an unmatched elixir. A rigorous selection process—from vine to vat—ensures that only a small, elite batch sees the light of day. In 2018, this culminated in a limited run of 838 bottles.

Central to the 2018 εutopos is the venerable Shiraz plot, a mere 0.4-hectare stretch adjacent to Roennfeldt Road. Planted in 1974 on red clay and ironstone, it features the esteemed Kalimna 3C Shiraz clone, celebrated for its dark hues and intense fruity essence. Companions from neighboring blocks enrich the wine, offering a multifaceted profile. Mataro, at 9.5%, infuses it with herbal undertones and a savory depth, while Grenache (3.5%) sprinkles it with airy red fruit fragrances. Cabernet Sauvignon, constituting 1.4%, refines the tannic structure and amplifies mocha notes. This elixir matured for 20 months in French oak barrels—half new and lightly toasted, and half previously used. Post-barreling, it underwent an additional two-year bottle maturation.

Aromatically, this wine exudes hints of licorice and eucalyptus, complemented by a savory undertone that becomes more pronounced as the wine ages. True to its vineyard lineage, it offers a rich palate, densely packed with flavors. Dark cherry and chocolate dominate, bolstered by chalky tannins and the quintessential Utopos zing. It's a wine to be relished now or cellared for up to two decades.