Utopos Shiraz 2021

Utopos Vineyard, situated on Roennfeldt Road, is renowned for the impeccable balance of acid and tannin it achieves in fully matured fruit. This quality not only ensures the wines are delightful in their early days but also grants them the ability to age gracefully over a decade or even longer. The 2021 vintage, near perfection in every sense, birthed a lineup of red wines poised to epitomize this vineyard's incredible potential for years on end. From bud burst in late September through to the harvest spanning March and April, the temperate weather paved the way for consistent canopy growth, fruit setting, and maturation. Timely rain showers across the seasons offered the vines consistent hydration, retaining a touch of subsoil moisture. This led to average yields hovering around 1.5 tons per acre.

This particular wine stems from the finest Shiraz clusters in the Utopos vineyard, which were harvested on the 25th of February. The vineyard's topography is diverse, featuring blocks exposed to various directional aspects and a variety of soil types across its rolling terrain. The southeast block, characterized by its sandy red loam intertwined with black, clayey soil, bestows the wine with remarkable intricacy. This results in a wine rich in red and black fruit flavors, enhanced by hints of mocha. After an initial cold soak lasting five days, the grapes underwent a seven-day fermentation with twice-daily pumpovers. The wine was then aged for 18 months in seasoned French 4,600-litre foudres and a mix of new and seasoned French hogsheads. To finish off the blend, around 5% of Utopos cabernet sauvignon was added.

On the nose, the wine presents a dominant spiced aroma, underscored by dark fruits. Its standout feature is its invigorating freshness, lending the palate a luminous, vibrant character. It's a robust wine in terms of flavor depth, yet its tannins and acidity frame its intense fruitiness, guiding it seamlessly through the palate.

Given time, this wine will truly blossom around its tenth year and maintain its allure for another decade thereafter.