A medium-bodied Shiraz from an accomplished winemaker that will be treasured for years to come
Mount Ophir Estate will herald a new phase in its rich winemaking history with the release of the first vintage under the ownership of Nick, Eliza and Angela Brown, who purchased the estate in 2016.
The 2019 Mount Ophir Estate Shiraz is a sophisticated wine originating from low-yielding fruit handpicked from a single vineyard spanning 0.5 hectares and made using traditional techniques. A limited release, the Shiraz will be available for purchase through registration only at a price point of $500 per bottle.
Following a 12-day fermentation period, the wine has been basket pressed, before spending 19 months in three 225-litre French oak barrels by Saint-Martin and Boutes.
Winemaker Nick Brown describes the Shiraz as elegant in style, with a medium-bodied, concentrated palate. It offers red and blackberry characters, and soft but long tannins, with cellaring recommendation for up to 15 years.
“We are so proud of the wine we have produced. The 2019 Mount Ophir Estate Shiraz demonstrates our commitment to producing high-quality wines and brings together Rutherglen’s regional characteristics in a considered approach towards winemaking,” says Nick Brown, Winemaker, Mount Ophir Estate.
Embracing a nurturing, sustainable philosophy, the vines at Mount Ophir Estate are encouraged to grow wild and healthy with minimal intervention. The low-yield vineyard produces a wine that is entirely handmade and of a superior quality. The red clay loam over quartz at Rutherglen, combined with its classic continental climate, lends a unique regional character to its wine. The grapes are only picked when unaffected by weather conditions, or natural disasters such as fire, and are tested before being bottled.
The 2019 Mount Ophir Shiraz will be released Thursday, 16 September. Expressions of interest can be made on mountophirestate.com.au/shiraz-waitlist for priority access.
“We look forward to sharing the fruits of our labour with those who are as passionate about wine as we are,” adds Nick Brown.
Images: Kristoffer Paulsen