One thing that unites winemakers the world over is a common drive to create the perfect wine. In truth, it’s a search that can never really be completed – the perfect wine cannot exist, such is the subjective nature of wine.
But that doesn’t stop us trying and every now and then, we get close.
2007 was one such year. A few light showers in January allowed the vines to de-stress and pushed along phenolic ripeness and the shiraz that ultimately came into the winery were among the best fruit we’ve had the opportunity to make wine from to date. Along with the staple Stonybroke and Schoolhouse Block wines, we also made an Aristea.
‘Aristea’ itself is a Greek word meaning ‘perfect’ and we only make one when viticultural conditions are at their best. They can be big and powerful wines in their youth, owing to the usage of 50% new oak during maturation, and often need a little time in bottle to settle down prior to release. We generally release them at around 5 years of age.
At 10 years of age (or at least approaching it at the time of writing), the 2007 Aristea Shiraz is showing some extraordinary character. Typical Hunter Valley secondary flavours of leather and cigar box are beginning to find their feet and the wine is starting to show those flavours that made classic aged Hunter sought after many decades ago. But behind all of that is a remarkable backbone of red fruits, still resonating 10 years down the road.
Digging through the archives, we have a small amount of this wine left and in early 2017 we will be re-releasing it to the public as a special 10-year Cellar Release. There is a limit of 6 per customer due to the tiny amount of stock on hand. The wine will be released at $100 per bottle or $570 for a half dozen case.
2007 Aristea Shiraz, 96 points, James Halliday 2017 Wine Companion
I would like to enquire about the 2007 Aristea Shiraz release and reserve a half dozen if possible.
Hi Ben,
Can you send me an email at cellardoor@glenguinestate.com.au?
Cheers,
Phil.