JPB Limited Release Shiraz 2018

The fruit for this wine is sourced from selected rows in the family’s own Blewitt Springs vineyard in the McLaren Vale region. Hand harvested, the fruit was crushed, destemmed and soaked for two days prior to fermentation to extract maximum colour without the production of alcohol. Fermented on skins for eight days before pressing, the wine was transferred to predominantly new French and American oak barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. Following MLF the wine was aged in barrel for 14 months before bottling without fining or filtration. Very deep and dark almost black in colour with a deep garnet hue. Typical of Blewitt Springs, the nose is loaded with blue fruits. Raspberry and plum are there too, working with chocolate, mocha and coffee from the predominantly new French and American oak. The palate is powerful and structured but is so finely balanced that there is still a sense of softness. Intense fruit flavours overlay the oak and it all finishes with a surprising freshness indicating plenty of ageing potential.

James Mungall is a third-generation Patritti family member and carries on the family tradition of winemaking at the Dover Gardens winery. He first began helping out in the winery around the time he learned to walk and has worked in his family’s business ever since. James is a very skilled and dedicated winemaker. He is passionate about continuing his family’s winemaking history and has great respect for the past and view to the future. Ben Heide’s love for the wine industry began when he took his first job working on vineyards in McLaren Vale after finishing high school. Ben first met James at Uni and then started working for Patritti part time while studying. Following completion of his degree, he spent several years making wine in McLaren Vale. James and Ben continued to keep in touch over the years through their love of wine and Ben returned to Patritti in 2006 to work as a winemaker.