Eloquesta Winter's Harvest Shiraz 2018

Eloquesta Wines, founded by Stuart Olsen, has swiftly gained acclaim for producing artisanal, expressive wines that push boundaries while reflecting genuine New South Wales terroir. Stuart’s innovative approach, characterised by minimal intervention and carefully managed natural processes, creates unique wines that showcase both varietal purity and complexity. The Winter’s Harvest Shiraz from the excellent 2018 vintage is a distinctive expression, crafted to capture the concentrated, intense flavours that come from grapes harvested late in the season, imparting remarkable depth, structure, and elegance.

The grapes for Winter’s Harvest Shiraz are sourced primarily from cool-climate vineyards in Mudgee and the Central Ranges of New South Wales, renowned for their diverse soils ranging from rich volcanic to sandy loam. This terroir, combined with a deliberate late-harvest strategy, ensures grapes achieve optimal ripeness and concentrated flavours, balanced by natural acidity and refined tannins. Meticulous hand-harvesting, gentle fermentation using native yeasts, and careful maturation in seasoned French oak barrels (around 24 months) enhance complexity, depth, and textural refinement.

Appearance: Deep ruby-red with alluring garnet hues, displaying impressive clarity and luminosity. Medium-to-full-bodied viscosity gently coats the glass, with slow-moving, elegant legs descending gracefully.

Aroma: Intriguing, expressive bouquet showcasing ripe black cherries, blueberries, and plum compote, harmoniously combined with subtle hints of dark chocolate, liquorice, black pepper spice, and gentle earthiness. Delicate floral notes and subtle mineral nuances further enhance aromatic complexity.

Taste: Beautifully concentrated and elegantly structured palate, presenting flavours of ripe blackberry, plum, dark cherry, and subtle cassis. Layers of spice, dark chocolate, gentle vanilla, and earthy undertones complement polished tannins and lively acidity, delivering impeccable balance and depth.

Finish: Long-lasting, refined finish with lingering echoes of dark fruits, gentle spices, subtle chocolate, and mineral freshness. Silky tannins fade gently, leaving a sophisticated and elegant impression.

Food Pairing: Ideal matched with slow-cooked beef brisket accompanied by creamy potato purée and rich mushroom sauce, or grilled lamb chops served with herb-infused couscous and roasted root vegetables.