PIRATHON by Kalleske 2008 SHIRAZ The grapes were harvested from the low-yielding vineyards of traditional family growers in the north-western Barossa districts of Greenock, Moppa, Belvedere, Stonewell, Seppeltsfield, Koonunga and Ebenezer. 2008 was an extremely hot and dry vintage. There were superb ripening conditions until March when the Barossa experienced its biggest heat-wave of all time with 15 days in a row over 35 degrees. Fortunately, the majority of grapes were harvested by this time so were not overtly affected. The few blocks of grapes harvested during the heat-wave were partially dehydrated and add rich intensity and concentration to the wine. Overall 2008 is a very good vintage, with average yields and great quality. The wine was entirely vintaged at the Kalleske winery at Greenock by Tony & Troy Kalleske. Following harvest, each individual lot of grapes was crushed into a separate open top fermenter. During fermentation, hand pump-overs gently extracted colour and flavour from the grapes. The fermented grapes were pressed with a traditional press. The wines were then filled to new and seasoned American, French, Russian and Hungarian oak hogsheads for maturation for eighteen months before each lot of wine was racked from the barrel and carefully blended. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring the true expression of the vineyards in the bottle. Pirathon Shiraz 2008 is rich purple-black in colour. The bouquet immediately evokes a serious wine with uplifting aromas of black-fruits, clove spice, fruit cake, chocolate and a touch of black olive. The palate is extremely generous and mouthfilling with flavours of rich dark fruit and integrated classy oak. This full-bodied wine displays great complexity and powerful intensity. Balanced velvety tannins and a solid structure add opulence to the palate. A very generous and persistent finish completes this beauteous wine. Pirathon is a paramount expression of north-western Barossa Shiraz that will reward time in the cellar. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pirathon Shiraz 2010 Pirathon Shiraz 2009 Pirathon Shiraz 2008 Pirathon Shiraz 2007 Pirathon Shiraz 2006 Pirathon Shiraz 2005