GOLD MEDAL – China Wine & Spirits Awards 2013

David Paxton believes that the people who apply the art and science of viticulture are just as important as the winemaker in the making of good wines. That’s why for three decades the Paxtons have nurtured their prized vineyards, some of which were first planted in the 1890s. Our aim is to showcase the intensity of fruit grown biodynamically.

THE GUESSER: The Paxton Guesser Shiraz Cabernet has been named in recognition of David’s days working in shearing sheds in country Australia. The guesser’s job is to sort, clean and class the fleece of each shorn sheep.

VINTAGE: 2011 was a cool season, with strong vine growth enforcing the importance of viticultural management which resulted in the generation of great flavours at harvest. The rain events were regular in the lead up to picking so the vineyards did not require any irrigation. The fruit flavours are vibrant and structured resulting in fabulous wines across all varieties.

VINEYARD: Cabernet Sauvignon: Thomas Block; dark fruit and rich palate from late ripening on deep rich alluvial soils and Jones Block; Sandy loam over red clay with bright varietal characteristics and earlier ripening. Shiraz: Also from Thomas Block and Jones Block and some from Quandong Farm with its sandy loam and limestone contributing some earthy fruit flavours and very smooth tannins.

VINIFICATION: Different batches of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz were fermented and aged separately in small French and American oak barriques. They were blended to achieve our example of the “Great Australian Blend” with full fruit expression from both the varieties and structure specifically from the Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was bottled after 15 months maturation.

TECHNICAL
Alc 13.5
TA 5.5g/L
pH 3.63