Description
Origin of Sanguine
When we introduced the Progeny Shiraz and D’Orsa shiraz to our range, it was always our intention to add a “stage” name to the “Estate” shiraz however it has taken some time to agree on that perfect name. So from the 2012 vintage, the “Estate” Shiraz was called “Inception” meaning the beginning of something or the establishment or starting point of our family business. A very fitting name considering the Estate shiraz is our flagship wine.
Vintage Overview
A relatively dry winter was followed by some useful spring rain. The vines grew well early in part thanks to a healthy end of 2018 vintage providing lots of stored energy. January and February were relentlessly hot and dry, bringing on harvest early and fast paced. An early start to harvest always makes me nervous as the sugars are accumulating faster than the preferred flavour profile, sometimes resulting in high alcohol with green characters. We got started earlier than normal but thankfully all the flavour was there resulting in a very special vintage with deeply concentrated wines.
Winemaking
We utilize traditional winemaking practices such as small fermentation tanks, natural fermentation (i.e. no yeast additions) and gravity feeding. Whilst this can be quite labour intensive, we believe it ensures the preservation of natural fruit flavours and the Heathcote terrior character. As with all varieties produced at Sanguine Estate, the grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and then naturally fermented with wild indigenous yeasts in small open fermenters. The wine is then transferred via gravity (to avoid pump shock) to predominantly French oak barriques (approximately 10% new) and left to mature for approximately 18 months.
Awards
Portavin Trophy Winner, Best Victorian Wine – Saint Martin Oak Great Australian Shiraz Challenge
Gold Medal – Interpack Heathcote Wine Show
5 stars 98/100, top 10% in challenge PLUS the best or “Top wine” in the $40 to $45 class – Winestate Magazine – World’s Greatest Shiraz/Syrah XVI
Awarded by wine reviewer Stuart Knox from The Real Review as a “Top Rank” wine beating 23 other 2019 Heathcote Shiraz to be the Top wine of the July 2021 tasting.
