Angove Family Crest McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022

Winemaking Notes
The Angove Family Crest McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022 represents the essence of McLaren Vale winemaking, showcasing classic varieties that thrive in the region's Mediterranean climate and lifestyle. Grapes were sourced from a careful selection of low-interventionist vineyards across the stunning McLaren Vale region—from Blewitt Springs and Seaview in the north through Willunga and on to Sellicks Hill in the south. This range of sites varies greatly in soil type, aspect and vine age, creating a wine of remarkable complexity that reflects the true, rich character of McLaren Vale Shiraz grown in the region's ancient soils. The fruit was crushed into 70-year-old open concrete vats in the historic Vintage House, the oldest part of the winery, where fermentation was initiated by indigenous wild yeasts found naturally on the grape skins. Careful pump-overs, punch-downs and short post-fermentation maceration ensured optimal extraction, before the finished ferments were pressed separately using a restored wooden basket press. The wine matured for 12-14 months in a combination of new and aged French oak puncheons and hogsheads, before the final stage of assemblage and blending. The resultant wine is a synergistic sum of its various components, gently crafted without the use of any animal products, making it vegan-friendly.

Vintage Conditions
The 2022 vintage in McLaren Vale was simply outstanding, delivering wines that were a joy to craft. The season began with good winter and early spring rains, followed by a generally dry and temperate growing season that proved ideal for premium Shiraz production. The Mediterranean-influenced climate and ancient soils of McLaren Vale provided perfect conditions for the vines to thrive. Mild conditions during flowering, particularly beneficial for later-ripening varieties, resulted in excellent fruit set, whilst canopies developed well with yields sitting around the long-term average. Harvest commenced in early February and finished in mid-April, with slow and steady ripening throughout the period. Crucially, the absence of excessive heat events allowed the grapes to develop superb varietal fruit intensity whilst maintaining balanced natural acidity and fine tannin structures. The grapes arrived at the winery in a steady, unhurried manner, allowing the winemaking team the time to carefully craft each wine with meticulous attention to detail. This exceptional vintage delivered fruit of outstanding quality that perfectly expresses the depth, vibrancy and textural elegance for which McLaren Vale is renowned.