d'Arenberg The Classics Laughing Magpie Shiraz 2018 x 12
The laughing magpie Shiraz Viognier 2018
McLaren Vale, Shiraz (95%) Viognier (5%)
The Name
The Kookaburra is a native Australian bird
famous for its distinctive laughing call,
Chester’s young daughters named them
“Laughing Magpies”. The Magpie plumage
is black with a stripe of white feathers,
representing McLaren Vale’s first ever blend
combining the (black) Shiraz and its white
partner, Viognier.
The Vintage
Quite a wet winter with July, August and
September being way above average in
rainfall. October, November and December
were a little below average and January,
February and March were more or less
bone dry. Temperatures were mild until
late January, so vines seemed to be delayed
and harvest appeared like it was again going
to be late. However, a few hot days and
nights brought the ripening forward with
slight sacrifice of acidity. The above average
temperatures of February and March and
the dryness made everything ripen relatively
quickly. Yields appeared on the lighter
side, because the heat and dry conditions
did reduce them significantly, however
they were still quite respectable across all
varieties.
Harvest dates
Residual sugar
12 Feb - 12 Apr
1.5 g/l
The Winemaking
Small batches of grapes are gently crushed
and then transferred to open fermenters,
where the Viognier and Shiraz are
co-fermented. Foot treading is undertaken
two thirds of the way through fermentation,
the wine is basket pressed and transferred
to old French oak to complete fermentation
and mature. The barrel ferments are aged on
lees, there is no racking until final blending
and no fining or filtration.
The Characteristics
A classic northern Rhone blend, Shiraz with
a little touch of Viognier. Very perfumed,
black and red berries. A vibrant concoction.
the Shiraz brings black fruits, plums,
black cherries, and the small parcel of co
fermented Viognier brings stone fruits like
peach and a touch of apricot. This makes
for a very savoury and harmonious bond
between the two varieties. This is certainly a
wine that will benefit from careful cellaring
for many years to come
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