Philip Shaw No 17 Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc

Notes - Philip Shaw acquired the Koomooloo vineyard site in 1988. It is in close proximity to the region’s highest peak, Mt Canobolas (an extinct volcano), Koomooloo vineyard rises to an altitude of 900m with red loam soils over limestone. With less than 1% of Australian vineyards above 600M, Koomooloo is one of the highest vineyards in Australia. Although it’s not unusual to see snowfalls during winter and into spring, the altitude provides cooler conditions throughout the growing season. Koomooloo is a unique hand kept vineyard with a routine of hand pruning, shoot thinning, leaf plucking, crop thinning, and hand picking happening in multiples if needed. Due to the high elevation, the climate of the Orange wine region is one of the coolest in Australia. The rainfall is winter-spring dominant. The three driest months are the ripening period of February, March and April. Orange is also noted for intense sunlight, which, coupled with the cool growing season, result in wines of bright fruit and distinct elegance. By adding together the plot numbers (2, 3, 5 and 7) from which the fruit for this wine was originally sourced, you’ll arrive at number 17. It is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon The wine is medium-dark red with purple hues. The nose is intense yet elegant with lifted bright, sweet Cabernet Franc fruit. Dark fruit is definitely in charge while the oak plays a supporting role. Clean, precise and powerful expression of dark berry fruits with a subtle savouri ness. Lovely softness from the merlot and cabernet franc fruit on the front palate. There is a harmonious presence of tannin from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the back palate, along with good acid balance to ensures a wonderful length of flavour.
 
     

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