Dark Side of the Moon

WINES

Donna Stephens / Marnie Roberts

GRAPE VARIETIES

Shiraz

REGION

100% Clare Valley

COLOUR

Dark, bright purple

BOUQUET

This year’s shiraz will take some time to give its all – in youth it remains a little subdued on the nose but showing great potential. There are pretty aromatics of crushed violets, dark berries and anise, under-laid with complexing oak derived notes of spice and toast.

PALATE

The 2010 vintage was warm and dry, producing flavour ripe fruit a little earlier than usual. Gentler acid structure is apparent in the mouth where juicy berries and dark plum fruits shine alongside mocha notes. The wine appears quite forward in youth (something we see almost every year with this blend) but this will deepen with time. Tannins are moderate, gently coating and the oak is integrated, to complement rather than overshadow the shiraz fruit flavours.

GENERAL

This year saw gentler oak handling techniques employed, preserving maximum primary fruit character in the wine. Total maturation was 15 months in 30% new American oak (balance older American & French).

SERVE

The Dark Side of the Moon is a great food wine – balanced yet juicy and approachable with structure to hold up against full flavoured dishes.

ALC

14.7%

pH

3.47

TA

6.64g/L