2005 Shiraz Adelaide Hills B & V Vineyard – Petaluma Australia

Established in 1976, Petaluma is built upon the old-world belief of planting the right varieties for individual vineyards in a specific wine region. The wines of Petaluma are a singular exploration of this founding belief. Petaluma believes strongly on the conviction of the merit and lineage of wines created from one provenance. The Petaluma team see themselves as ‘custodians of the vineyards’, believing that if the vineyards are great, and the winemaking responsive, the wines will be outstanding. The 2005 vintage is made of 93% Shiraz along with 7% Viognier all sourced from the B & V Vineyard. The mature Shiraz and Viognier vines of the B&V Vineyard achieve a natural balance of moderate growth and low crop on its micaceous schist derived soils. The B & V vineyard is situated on the western escarpment of Mount Barker on the eastern edge of the Adelaide Hills. The climate and soils of the B & V Vineyard terroir closely resemble those of Cote Rôtie in the northern Rhone Valley in France where Shiraz and Viognier are native varieties. The wine is a dark, brooding, vibrant wine. The aroma is spicy with loads of dark, ripe fruit. Blackberry and dark cherry aromas and flavors are complemented by the spice and a hint of anise. The trace of apricots from the Viognier perfectly balances with these dark fruits. The palate is very full flavored and is enhanced by lovely cinnamon oak. Sweet fruit on the mid palate is supported by wonderful tannins, and the finish is very long and savory. This Shiraz is a sumptuous red wine that will reward many years careful cellaring through 2016. Only 1,500 cases made. 95 Points James Halliday. 91 Points Wine Spectator. 91 Points Wine Enthusiast.