2003 Butchers Block Red

The Butchers Block is a traditional Barossa blend made with grapes selected from the Turkey Flat vineyards, including some from the original old vine plantings.  It is a blend of Mataro (Mourvèdre), Shiraz and Grenache, with the proportions of each variety varying from vintage to vintage.  The 2003 vintage of Butchers Block is a blend of 76% Mourvédre, 21% Grenache and 3% Shiraz.

Each varietal component of this wine was vinified separately in open fermenters and subsequently aged in both hogsheads and larger format French oak for approximately 18 months.  The result is a warm, earthy, full-bodied red with seamless oak integration. 

The nose has hints of spicy rhubarb and violets with some gaminess. The palate shows lifted sweet fruits with a hint of creamy vanillin oak character. The tannin structure is long and restrained with a grainy finish, typical of Mourvedre.