Kalleske JMK VP Shiraz 2018

JMK Shiraz VP is a luscious fortified Shiraz grown and vintaged on the Kalleske family farm at Greenock in the North-Western Barossa Valley. This wine is dedicated to fifth generation grapegrower, John Malcolm Kalleske (JMK), who has tended the Kalleske family vineyards for more than 50 years. The vineyard for this special wine was hand pruned and harvested by John. JMK Shiraz reflects the dedication of John and the generations before him to the treasured Kalleske vineyard.

GROWING SEASON

The 2018 vintage was superb. Winter was slightly wetter than average getting the vines off to a brilliant start leading them into Spring which was warmer and drier than average. Rain in early December refreshed the vines and ensured they remained strong and healthy for the overall dry and hot Summer. Autumn also remained dry with perfect Autumnal temperatures leading into harvest. The 2018 yields are good and the quality is excellent, a classic Barossa vintage.

VINEYARD

Kalleske JMK Shiraz VP is sourced from select blocks of the Kalleske vineyard. The vineyard consists of shallow, sandy loam soil over superb deep red clay and limestone, providing ideal conditions for Shiraz vines.

WINEMAKING

The grapes were harvested on April 4th and then fermented in an open top fermenter with hand pump-overs twice a day. Sweetness and flavours of the fermenting grapes were closely monitored and when at desired levels, at four days after harvest, grape spirit was added, arresting the fermentation to retain some natural grape sweetness. A combination of young and old (up to 23 years) brandy spirit was used to fortify the wine, ensuring added complexity. The wine was pressed off skins after fifteen days and then matured in well seasoned hogsheads for eight months. At this time, only the very best barrels were selected to be included in the bottling of this liqueur Shiraz.

TASTING NOTES

2018 JMK Shiraz VP is dark purple-black in colour. The immense bouquet is alluring and intriguing. There’s exciting and captivating aromatics of morello cherries, licorice, dark chocolate, toffee, fruit cake, mature brandy and clove spice. The palate is full-bodied and mouth-filling. It is a powerful and multifaceted wine. There are flavours of ripe black fruits united with the complexity of characterful brandy spirit. The balance is impeccable, natural grape sweetness adds succulence but is well restrained while classy grape tannins give definition and a solid backbone, with vibrant fruits prevailing throughout. The wine has a suitably dry finish that lingers for a very long time. JMK is a harmonious and opulent wine that can be enjoyed now or after a decade or more in the cellar.

(SKU: KA_JMK_18)