Crafted from the best Estate Shiraz available from the 2016 vintage, this Eric Stevens Purbrick release was matured half in new French oak and the balance older oak.
Careful cellaring over a further 15 to 20 years from vintage will be rewarded.
Tasting Note
A complex and multi-faceted wine, lending savoury black olive aromas, alongside notes of nutmeg and cloves, to an opulently flavoured palate of blackberry and dark cherry fruits wrapped in a coat of fine, chewy tannins.
Enjoy Now to 2031/2036
Winemaking
Vintage 2016 started dry with only two-thirds of the average rainfall for winter recorded, followed by half the usual for September and budburst and then none measurable at all in October. The vineyard managers were watering two weeks before bud burst and through to January when a massive thunderstorm dumped 86 mm of rain in just two hours with some parts of the Old Tahbilkvineyards also hit by hail storm damage. Fortunately cool windy days followed with no mould or other diseases evident. The harvest itself was 'compressed' with many of the red blocks going through veraison at the same time as the whites, leading to the same amount of grapes being taken in but in a shorter period of time. Despite the early and quick vintage, the flavours were good with crisp and delicate whites and most reds picked at optimum ripeness showing juicy and bright fruit. Overall a good to very good vintage in terms of quality and quantity.
Our Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon continue to be fermented in original open oak vats (over 155 years old), followed by maturation is similarly aged large French barrels prior to being bottled. Smaller French and American oak barrels being used late in the winemaking before the wines are blended back together. A craft we have honed over 160 years.
The Eric Stevens Purbrick legacy
Established in 1860, Tahbilk Estate is located in the premium central Victorian region of Nagambie Lakes and was purchased by Reginald Purbrick in 1925.
His son, Eric Stevens Purbrick, was handed the reigns of the Tahbilk Estate in 1931, beginning a winemaking legacy that has passed from generation to generation.
In 1948 Eric created a ‘Special Bin’ range of reds, selecting from the most outstanding casks to create wines that showcased Tahbilk tradition, character and terroir.
Continuing this dedication to excellence, today the best Shiraz from the Estate's vineyards is carefully selected to create a wine released under the name of the great Eric Stevens Purbrick.
Accolades
“You can taste a character of place and feel the voices of the past. These impressive and beautifully crafted wines are wonderful expressions of Australian terroir.”
Andrew Calliard MW ~ Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine
“While the sweet, cedary oak needs more time to settle, there’s a gloss to this.
Ripe fruit, woodsy spices and eucalyptus to the fore. It’s full of flavour and is a rich, but not humongous wine. Grip to the tannins and freshness throughout. Will be better with more time.”
Jane Faulkner | Halliday 2021 Wine Companion | www.winecompanion.com.au
