Hill of Roses 2006
Grape Variety
100% shiraz grown in the Eden Valley wine region.
Technical Details
Harvest Date: 29 March
Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 3.54 | Acidity: 6.1 g/L |
Maturation
Matured in new French oak hogsheads for 18 months.
Background
This wine is named as a tribute to Johann Gottlieb Rosenzweig, one of the early Barossa Lutheran pioneers who settled at Parrot Hill in the Barossa Range whose name translates as ‘rose twig’. Their toil, perseverance and conservatism in hardship has meant the many generations that followed have rejoiced in the riches of those prudent efforts. Shiraz, growing on the fertile slopes in the Eden Valley region, is just one of those blessings. The wine is produced from a small selection of low-yielding, dry-grown shiraz vines from the Hill of Grace vineyard, named the Post Office Block, that are a mere 19 years old, at present too young to be considered for inclusion in Hill of Grace vintages. The quality of the grapes from this selection has produced a wine that was too good to be declassified and warranted a separate bottling and limited release. Extremely limited production. The Post Office ruins are on land that used to be Rosenzweig property.
Vintage Description
The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills. After a late break in mid-June 2005, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. Some varieties, such as riesling and shiraz, suffered more than others from poor set, leading to ‘hen and chicken’. While there was some damage in Eden Valley from frost, this had only a minor impact on the overall yield; however, yields in most varieties were down by 15-20%.
The summer was mild with southerly winds, reminiscent of 2002. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit.
Wine Description
Very deep crimson in colour. An exotic nose of intensely fragrant dark fruits, spiced figs and peppermint, accented with sage, black pepper and anise. The palate is ripe, lush, complex and spicy. Layered with velvety tannins, the wine exhibits excellent depth, structure and length.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent vintage, drink now to 2026.
Serving Idea