2024 Duke of Wellington Old Vine Shiraz VP

Duke of Wellington was the name of our tawny port made through the 1980s and we have revived the name for this wine. It is a tribute to Lorraine’s late father (named Wellington, nicknamed Duke) who originally found and bought the Nuriootpa property in the late 1970s. 

In 2024 we decided it was time for a Shiraz VP. Whilst we didn’t have a vineyard designated to the creation of this wine, a dry grown parcel planted in the early 1900s, nominated itself reaching higher than usual Baumes mid season owing to both warm conditions and very low crop level. We achieved a high level of ripeness at harvest whilst the fruit was still in good condition with good fresh fruit characters.

In 2024 we decided it was time for a Shiraz VP. Whilst we didn’t have a vineyard designated to the creation of this wine, a dry grown parcel planted in the early 1900s, nominated itself reaching higher than usual Baumes mid season owing to both warm conditions and very low crop level. We achieved a high level of ripeness at harvest whilst the fruit was still in good condition with good fresh fruit characters.

Handpicked fruit was destemmed and chilled into a small open fermenter. As fermentation slowly began to take off we increased maceration time with increased foot treading. We fortified on skins using oak aged brandy spirit just prior to pressing, after 8 days on skins, when we decided the balance of sweetness and alcohol was right. We are rapt with the flavour profile of this VP - an unctuous, yet tightly wound wine which still carries the hallmarks of our stunning old vines, displayed in a different style. - Jules Ashmead & Brock Harrison

Alcohol: 18.0%

Aroma: Summer pudding, with a waft of brandy cream

Appearance: Vibrant purple

Taste: Juicy compote of red and black berries with a creamy backbone and long depth of tannin with fruit sweetness and spirit dancing on the palate

Mouthfeel: Powerful yet svelte

Ageing Process: Seasoned French oak