Shingleback The Gate Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2019 Tasting Note.pdf

Generations of Australian winemakers have appreciated how well these two great varieties can
work together. The regal Cabernet Sauvignon’s fragrant aromatics and tight tannic structure is
expanded by, and gives focus to, the juicy generosity of the Shiraz. Cabernet Sauvignon from two
distinct blocks has been selected to lead the chosen Shiraz in this classic Australian blend, creating
a worthy partner for our highly awarded Gate Shiraz. Varietal clones selected and the soil in which
they grow add further dimension and depth to the blend.

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone Planted: Reynella Selection, Soil Type: Loam, Vineyard: GA & LS Petrucci - Hill block (1982).

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone Planted: CW44, Soil Type: Red Clay, Vineyard: Davey Estate - Block P (est. 1999).

Variety: Shiraz, Clone Planted: 1654, Soil Type: Grey Clay, Vineyard: Davey Estate - Block E (est. 1995).

Each component has been crafted separately in small open fermenters followed by 13 months
maturation of the Cabernet in predominantly 1 to 4-year-old French oak hogsheads and the Shiraz
in 6-year-old oak. A further 12 months bottle maturation integrates the wine prior to release.

The Davey Estate Vineyard is located in Whites Valley, at the southern end of the acclaimed
McLaren Vale Wine region in South Australia. Kym and John Davey planted & nurture their
family-owned and sustainably managed estate vineyard on land their grandfather purchased
in the1950’s. Their goal is to produce high-quality, single vineyard wines. Modern viticultural
practices that minimise work to the soil & encourage a balanced environment are used. Superior
fruit is grown by managing canopies, hand-pruning, precise deficit irrigation & integrated pest
management.

After a dry start to winter we had good rainfall, ending up 10% above the long term averages,
flushing and filling soil profiles to saturation. Although a mid-September bud burst was later than
recent vintages it was in line with long term averages. Spring rainfall was well below average,
resulting in low disease pressure. Average day and night spring temperatures were close to record
highs, resulting in steady vine shoot growth, catching up some ground after the later bud burst.
We had 10mm of rain on December 1st and another 15 mm on December 15th, freshening the
vines during early berry development. With only 6 mm of rain in January and 5 mm in February
summer rainfall ended up only two thirds of the average. Drier and warmer than average conditions continued through March and April resulting in a disease free and orderly progression to
vintage, allowing time for the potential of each batch of grapes to be maximised in the winery.
Harvest started with Semillon on February 6th and our McLaren Vale white and rosé blocks were
all off by February 19th when the first Davey Estate Shiraz was picked. Shiraz harvest, other than
a small parcel for fortified, was completed on March 24th and Cabernet Sauvignon soon after on
March 29th, just before Easter. Mataro, the last of the Grenache and Shiraz for fortification were
harvested after Easter with all fruit in by April 5th.
The 2019 white and rosé wines are richly flavoured with good length. The reds are full bodied and
deeply coloured, showing intense fruit flavour with big round chewy tannins. Simply an outstanding vintage with the promise to be rated as one of the great years for McLaren Vale.

Generations of Australian winemakers have appreciated how well these two great varieties can
work together. The regal Cabernet Sauvignon’s fragrant aromatics and tight tannic structure is
expanded by, and gives focus to, the juicy generosity of the Shiraz.