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The first release of the Elenay Shiraz in 2011 was the result of what Andrew Thomas calls a beautiful accident. A few barrels initially destined for the premium Kiss Shiraz didn’t quite fit the style and were blended with a few barrels of Sweetwater Shiraz to form the Elenay Shiraz. Such was the enthusiasm for the wine that Thomas decided to continue with the label, each year selecting barrels from his myriad Shiraz parcels to create a unique Hunter Valley expression. The vineyard composition changes depending on the vintage, but the style remains the same, with premium French oak playing an important part, especially in its youth.
The 2021 vintage blends the newer barrels from the Kiss Vineyard (50%) and the Sweetwater Vineyard (50%). The highly praised Sweetwater Vineyard is located at Sweetwater Ridge in the northern Belford sub-region of the Lower Hunter Valley. The vines were planted in 1998 on soils of red/brown loam over limestone, giving a distinctive floral lift to its wines. Before Thomas made the blend, both components were aged in a mix of new, one, two and three-year-old French hogsheads for 15 months of maturation.
Showcasing this winemaker’s love of purity, it’s a deep, floral, spice-scented Shiraz that sits at the fuller end of the medium body spectrum. Its silky texture, bold flavour, and impressive length tell us it will evolve beautifully over the coming years. If drinking soon, simply decant and serve with a rich braise.