The Colonial Estate Explorateur Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017

The vineyards that make up Explorateur are based in the northwestern Barossa Valley. This is a belt of land/terroir that runs from just to the northwest of Tanunda – Marananga, Greenock, Moppa, Ebenezer, and through to Stockwell, just north of Nuriootpa. Cropping levels are kept low to ensure fruit flavour is focus. The same equipment that is accorded to our more expensive wines is made available to Explorateur. Fermentation is French in approach for up to two thirds of the wine made; the rest is vinified in a more Australian way.

Pepperjack Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

Pepperjack Barossa Shiraz is a blend of Shiraz parcels sourced from premium vineyards throughout the Barossa. Parcels selected for Pepperjack Barossa Shiraz have bright, rich fruit concentration with a range of flavours from red berries to rich plums and a hint of savoury notes.

The fruit is fermented for up to ten days depending on the parcel of fruit, then aged for 12 months in a mix of American and French Oak. Individual parcels of fruit are matured separately to maximise the blends complexity through a staged selection process. The resultant wine is soft and plush with lots of flavour, balance and a fine tannin structure.