Description
THE BEST BARRELS OF BASKET-PRESSED SHIRAZ FROM THE 2017 VINTAGE WERE SELECTED TO MAKE THE 9TH RELEASE OF SCHMICK. RICH AND CONCENTRATED, SCHMICK OFFERS LAYERS OF MATURE FRUIT, WITH A PLUSH TANNIN STRUCTURE AND BALANCED ACIDITY THAT DRAW THE PALATE THROUGH TO A LINGERING, FLAVOURSOME FINISH.
The Kurtz family are fifth generation Barossans of German descent. The original Kurtz Family Vineyard was planted in the 1930s, with vines still in use today. These vines, together with later plantings and acquisitions in the fifties and sixties, allow fourth generation grapegrower and vigneron, Steve Kurtz, to draw on significant old-vine fruit to create a range of wines that are fine examples of the traditional Barossa style – fullflavoured reds that are rich on the nose and palate.
The ‘Schmick’ range is selected from the finest barrels from the best Barossa vineyards of the vintage. These are wines we think look pretty schmick – smart, stylish and particularly good.
Vineyard Source: 2017 Schmick Shiraz was sourced from the Old, R6 and Shed blocks on the Kurtz Family Light Pass vineyard, known for concentrated depth of flavour, fruit complexity and structure.
Vintage Conditions: Vine growth was slow yet healthy, after a long, wet winter. Spring and early summer were cool, and post-veraison temperatures were moderate, with short bursts of heat and well-timed rain. An Indian summer allowed consistent ripening, with cool late-March nights extending vintage.
Winemaking: After extended fermentation on skins the Old, R6 and Shed blocks were separated into free-run and basket-press cuts. Showing exceptional concentration and structure, only the pressings were selected for Schmick. The wine was matured for 36 months in new French oak hogsheads, further enhancing mouthfeel and complexity.
Technical Analysis:
Alcohol: 15.0%
pH: 3.55
Acidity: 6.0 g/L
Colour: Deep purple-red.
Nose: A rich, concentrated nose with ripe, dark fruit aromas of blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry. Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, liquorice, woody herbs and fine cedary oak provide multiple layers of complexity.
Palate: Full bodied and textural, with intense, concentrated, flavours of black fruits, with hints of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, coffee beans and black truffles. The palate is drawn together and given focus with balanced acidity and plush, fine-grained tannins that provide structure, velvety mouthfeel and exceptional ength of flavour.
Peak Drinking: While suitable for current consumption, this wine will integrate and develop further complexity, rewarding careful cellaring for 20 years or more. Decanting prior to serving is recommended.
Food Match: ‘Schmick’ Shiraz is an ideal match with grilled, pan-fried or roasted red meats, and other full-flavoured dishes.
