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Fruit for this year’s Bannockburn Shiraz is drawn predominately from vines in the south-facing Winery Block (planted in 1990) and Range Block (1974), with some declassified De La Roche (planted in 2007) in the mix. The sites possess soils of mainly volcanic scoria over basalt, clay and loam with a limestone-clay base.
Conditions in 2022 were ideal, with sufficient rain in spring followed by a warm, consistent and well-paced ripening period. The Shiraz fermented spontaneously with 10% bunches and plenty of carbonic maceration. The wine spent two weeks on skins before being pressed, settled and racked to a combination of French oak hogsheads and puncheons (10% new) for a 10-month maturation. Matt Holmes has pared back the new oak and gradually introduced more carbonic influence in his Shiraz. He feels the mature Winery Block has inherent savoury qualities (due to the clay/limestone, old vines and poor soils), and this treatment lifts the impression of brightness and fruit purity.
Bannockburn produces one of the most distinctive expressions of Shiraz in Australia, which can be attributed almost entirely to the site. The 2022 is delightfully mid-weight, with enticing savoury depth, bright berry fruit, root spice and deep graphite-mineral tones. The weight is deft and silky, anchored by sinewy structure and star-bright acidity. It’s another winner.