*Water Wheel Memsie*

Description

The release of the 2014 vintage Shiraz marked the 40th vintage of this wine by Water Wheel. This winery has been producing wines since early 1974. Historically Victoria produced wine in the boom era of the 1800s but soon after that a disease hit up the vines and they were mostly decimated or if they weren't they were pulled out in an effort to control the spreading of the disease. It took another hundred years to pass to see vines growing again in the region. It wasn't until the 1960's that significant replanting in and around Bendigo took place. Soon after, small wineries were established. Water Wheel Vineyards began in 1970 and was named so after the nearby flour mill. Water Wheel enjoyed some prosperity and grew over the years expanded into a bigger space and also saw additional vineyards added to the portfolio. In 1989 Peter Cumming purchased the winery and vineyards and this ownership change saw the purchasing of modern equipment and additional vineyards around Bridgewater. This Shiraz pours deep inky red. It is rich and dark, and the nose is ripe with all of that sweet pepper fruit and spice. Vanilla and oak coincide with the dark slightly jammy, cooked red and blue fruits that dominate the palate and showcase as well ripe cherry flavours as well as coffee grounds in the background. This wine is their flagship, with over 40 years of history in one glass.

Pairing

Roast guinea fowl with peppers and fresh thyme, red wine braised beef short ribs, or smoked tofu with pan-sauteed vegetables.