Winery & Vintage Info
Winemaker Chris Hancock has been immersed in wine for the Oatley family over three decades. He agrees with his long time friend, mentor and four-in-hand driver Bob Oatley, that, above all, wine must be a ‘good drink’.
As with a master coachman, Chris has honed his winemaking skills with years of experience. Wines such as this superb shiraz require a thorough knowledge of every detail and constant practice to perfect.
Steely courage to reject all but the finest fruit. Steady hands to guide the winemaking team. A light touch to let the characteristics of both fruit and terroir speak for themselves. Finally, the patience and perseverance to let the wines mature and develop.
The fruit for the 2017 Four In Hand Shiraz was harvested at ideal ripeness from a number of vineyards across the length and breadth of the Barossa (including both the Barossa and Eden Valleys). Fermented on skins for 7-12 days in closed fermenters at moderate temperatures ranging from 12-26˚ Celsius. A very moderate oak regime, comprising 15 per cent new and the rest older, French oak, for a relatively short period averaging at 6 months.
Having set out to make a mid-weight style of Shiraz that shows definitive regional typicity, we’re very pleased with the result. With moderate alcohol and very supple oak influence, Barossa dark fruits and black chocolate characters rise to the fore, it’s generous and appealing, with soft, fine powdery tannins and lovely length of flavour. Enjoyable immediately upon release and will cellar comfortably for 5-7 years. Winery Notes
