Tasting Notes for Paxton Queen of the Hive Shiraz Mataro 2022 from the Winery

53.5% Shiraz, 46.5% Mataro. Aged in French oak. Colour: Ruby red. Aroma: Bright red fruits, with raspberry, cherry and cranberry, hints of earthy spice and a delicate floral undertone. Palate: Lively and complex, full-bodied texture balanced by a refreshing acidity and well-integrated tannins provide a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. Cellar: 2 years.

The Queen of the Hive produces the bees that have a vital role in maintaining natural balance & eco-health in our world. Bees keep plants & crops alive through pollination & without bees, humans would struggle to survive. Bees only survive & thrive in chemical free environments, hence why our certified biodynamic, estate vineyards in McLaren Vale are home to so many bee hives & their powerful, tireless Queens. To all the Queens we salute you! Biodynamics is the most advanced form of organic farming that uses natural preparations to bring the soil & vine into balance.

Vintage Notes

Low and slow. The 2023 growing season was a time for viticulturalists to show off their impressive skills. From a cold and wet, seemingly never-ending winter to a Spring which seemed like it was still winter, a long, cool Summer which seemed like Spring, challenges were abound. Numerous climatic challenges including cool and windy weather during flowering, one of the wettest Springs for 30 years and even more windy weather in Summer meant that crops were small but our organic and biodynamic farming methods paid off — our vines showed incredible resilience to whatever came their way. A season that was around three weeks late on average and had a much slower ripening period means that 2023 wines show great acid, complex layers of delicate flavours, lightness, brightness, and longevity.

Bouquet

A bouquet of bright red fruits, with raspberry, cherry, and cranberry at the forefront, but delve deeper and you’ll detect subtle hints of earthy spice and a delicate floral undertone.

Palate

Lively and complex, with a full-bodied texture balanced by a refreshing acidity. The red fruit flavours persist, but there's a distinct whole bunch carbonic maceration character that emerges, adding an element of complexity and intrigue. Silky, well-integrated tannins, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. As the wine opens up, there’s a subtle smokiness that lingers on the finish, leaving a lasting impression that is both satisfying and elusive.

Vinification

Shiraz from 40 year old vines, one parcel 100% carbonic maceration ferment, and the other parcels 30% whole bunch/70% whole berry ferment. Aged in oak puncheons, 10% new, for 9 months. Mataro from bush vines, handpicked, whole berry ferment, aged 9 months in 2-3 year old French barriques.

Cellaring: GOOD: Now BETTER: Easter 2022 BEST: Late 2023

(SKU: PX_QSM_CV)