THE VINEYARD This Shiraz comes from the Skeleton Key Block at the McMurtrie Road East Vineyard, which sits at an elevation of 140m. Being at a higher elevation makes for cooler temperatures during the ripening period, allowing the Shiraz grapes to reach their optimum ripeness with less stress. Planted in 1991 with clone 1654, the vineyard's high density, narrow-row layout means that each vine has less crop load per vine than is usual in the region, resulting in a wine with great intensity. WINEMAKING The block was harvested on the 22nd of March and fruit parcels were fermented on skins in open fermenters for 10 days. Maturation was in the finest French oak puncheons, of which 35% were new and remaining 1-3 year old oak. After 16 months, the wine was barrel selected and blended to best showcase the complexities and diversity of the Skeleton Key site. THE WINE A true reflection of its terroir, this wine shows perfume and spice, coupled with vibrant red cherry and blue berry fruits and underlying notes of milk chocolate and anise. Subtle oak spice plays a supporting role and adds a layered complexity. The palate has a high level of fruit intensity, showing depth and concentration. This tightly structured wine has great finesse, purity and elegance; its fine tannins have focus, direction and length to charm. ALCOHOL 14.5% ACCLAIM HIGHLIGHTS 94+ Points awarded by Tom Kline, Winepilot "Plum jam, cassis and blueberry aromas intermingle with dusty paperbark, game meat and baking spices in a poised, lifted and overall inviting opening. Some lovely savoury notes of black tea and earth to follow, filling things out and adding dimension and complexity. The palate is equally elevated and bright, with vibrant fruit notes akin to the nose along with a whisper of bacon fat sitting high in the mouth while underpinned by a brisk line of red fruited acidity and finely woven black tea infused tannins. Lovely poise through a long choc-mint laced finish. This is suitably ripe, but with an air of elegance and wonderful complexity. Bravo." 94 Points awarded by Qwine Reviews, Steve Leszczynski "A layered and generous McLaren Vale Shiraz, this excellent Single Vineyard release from Penny's Hill will pay dividends with a long life ahead. Tasted with winemaker Lexi Roberts during her lightning fast fly-in-fly-out trade mission, the fruit comes from the Skeleton Key Block east side and sits 140m above. The vines are high-density planted on sandy loam over clay with some quartz. Heft is the word that springs to mind. Rich with plenty of give, it sees 15 months in French oak (35% new) and that certainly has an impact. Pretty blue flowers are partnered with red and blue fruits. Dark chocolate adds detail but there is a lift, a second wind of sorts, that propels my interest further more. Fine spices are pinned to a moreish finish and seemingly cascade on a lengthy finish. Big love. Drink to ten years+"