Forefathers 2001 Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia

Philosophy

We use the name "Forefathers" to represent the unique qualities of the three selected varieties. These varieties are Shiraz represented by McLaren Vale in Australia, Sauvignon Blanc represented by Marlborough in New Zealand, and Cabernet Sauvignon represented by Alexander Valley in California, USA.

Each of these wines is a single variety, coming from single vineyard in the premium appellation in each country. The approach is "hands-off" winemaking, in an attempt to show the true attributes for each appellation, and in this case in McLaren Vale.

Vintage & Vineyards

The 2001 vintage was a more typical harvest, that featured long hang time for great flavor development. The cooler, longer harvest accentuates the spicy, black pepper elements. This, combined with the naturally balanced acid, gives this wine a long structure and great texture making it a refined and delicate, classic Shiraz.

Winemaking

With Forefathers we are looking for structure, intensity and complexity. We select only ripe grapes with excellent maturity and well-developed flavors. We make the Forefathers Shiraz using traditional Australian winemaking with short time on skins and fermentation in barrel. After ferment is completed the wine is barrel racked and left in French oak for 12 months. The wine remains unfiltered and unfined, so preserving as much of the natural flavors a possible.

Characteristics

McLaren Vale fruit characters for Shiraz show spice, sweet fruit, vanilla, and black pepper. The barrel ferment technique makes the wine fruit-forward, with sweet, ripe tannins and early integration of oak.

Appellation:	McLaren Vale, Australia
Varietal Composition:	100% shiraz
TA:	6.60 g/liter
pH:	4.60
Alcohol:	14.3% by volume
Residual Sugar:	Dry

Winemaker Comments

"The key to Forefathers is balance and complexity with underlying power. On the palate the wine is firm, creamy and viscous. The long silky mouth makes the wine drink beautifully now, and will improve over the next five years."

Goldschmidt Vineyard | Forefathers

Goldschmidt Vineyards | P.O. Box 1639, Healdsburg, CA 95448 USA | T: 707.433.2061 | F: 707.433.3426
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