PIRATHON by Kalleske 2009 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. Each vineyard adds its own exclusive dimension to Pirathon Shiraz and combined they produce the ultimate blend. 2009 was a brilliant vintage with ideal ripening conditions, great quality and moderate yields. The growing season started cooler than average and was followed by a short heat period before perfect Autumnal weather (mid to high 20s) prevailed for the entire vintage. 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 2009 is bright purple-black in colour. The aroma displays lifted bright fruits of juicy redcurrant and blueberry together with florals, musk and a hint of cocoa. The palate is full bodied with flavours of dark red fruit, plum and a hint of pepper spice. It is generous, mouth-filling and beautifully balanced with vibrant fruit, subtle oak, stylish integrated tannin and a faultless structure. A generous length and clean persistent finish completes this wine. This is a refined and harmonious Shiraz displaying pure varietal intensity. 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