Tasting Notes

The fruit for this powerful Shiraz is sourced from a 45 year old block of Shiraz vines that is said to have been planted using cuttings from one of the original vineyards planted back in the 1860’s. “Top of the Hill” refers to both the vineyards pedigree and its location. Perched at the top of a hill just to the north of the township of McLaren Vale, it boasts commanding views and shallow Terra Rossa soil. Stunning aromatics with blackberry and plum taking the limelight. Hints of licorice and spice add to the wine’s magical intensity. Yet it has an elegance and softness that makes for superb drinking now and for years to come.

Technical Notes

• Wine Analysis:
• Alcohol: 14,4 % by vol.
• Total Acidity: 6,3 g/l
• Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
• pH: 3,42

Reviews

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

"The 2005 Shiraz “Top of the Hill” was aged in 60% new oak. Purple-colored, it offers up smoke, espresso, meat, game, and blueberry. Full-bodied, ripe, and opulent on the palate, the wine is mouth-filling and long in the finish. Give it 4-6 years to round out and drink it through 2025." Author: Jay Miller
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Estate Profile

McLaren Vale is home to some of the most treasured Old Vine plantings in the world today, with the earliest known plantings dating back to 1862. We affectionately refer to them as “The Old Faithful”. They are a resource we treasure dearly.

The Old Faithful project is an exciting Joint Venture Partnership with John Larchet a 50% owner, and a Quartet of “vinous” folk owning the other 50%. The “Quartet” of Nick Haselgrove, Warren Randall, Warren Ward and Andrew Fletcher not only share
great talents in viticulture and oenology, but are Owners of a multiplicity of the most prized dry grown Old Vine vineyards across McLaren Vale. This is definitely a unique partnership that is intent on producing modest quantities of truly distinctive wines. All Partners share their belief in the magic of “The Old Faithful”.

Download a high quality information sheet here.