55 Years in the Making | Hill Block Shiraz - New Release
Updated 9 September '18 : *** S O L D O U T ***
LIMITED RELEASE
Some exciting news from the excellent 2017 Hunter Valley Vintage, with Lake's Folly producing its first-ever straight Shiraz, with 100% estate-grown fruit, from the Hill Block.
WHY?
The Hill Block at Lake's Folly is, without doubt, one of the finest viticultural sites in the Hunter Valley. Until recently, a fence line was the only thing separating the top of the Lake's Folly site with the neighbouring vineyard (originally part of the Lambkin Estate, owned by the Drayton family many years ago) and, in 2007, the opportunity presented itself for Peter Fogarty to purchase this adjoining parcel of land on that same hill, which increased Lake's Folly's Shiraz plantings by a few acres.
The Shiraz on the newly-acquired block on the Hill was also planted around the same time as Lake's Folly's original plantings, some 50+ years ago, and we've followed the progress of the fruit from this block since 2007. In difficult years (rain at vintage), there were times when the fruit was not picked; yet in drier years, with proper vineyard management, the fruit produced has been of exceptional quality and, in my opinion, warranted its own separate bottling in '17 (some Customers and Members may recall we did this with the Merlot, in '03 and '14).
So, for the first time in 55 years, here it is: Lake's Folly Hill Block Shiraz 2017
I hope you enjoy drinking it as much as I did making it for you!
2017 HILL BLOCK SHIRAZ - Hunter Valley (screwcap seal) - 195 Dozen Made - 97 / 100
Colour: Vibrant, deep red with purple hue.
Nose: Intense perfumed nose of dark berry fruits - mostly blackberry, black cherry and plum. Subtle char from perfect oak.
Palate: Plush, generous black berry fruits flow onto the palate. A fresh, vibrant fruit-driven wine with style and balance and great weight of fruit coupled with perfectly-managed French oak. Seamless varietal purity at its best; an ultra-stylish wine - class act!
Drinking: Can drink now, but will continue to improve for 10+ years as a minimum.
It's planned that this new wine will not be made every vintage and only in truly outstanding years (as with the Merlot, previously), and with such limited volumes, this wine won't last long with orders filled on a 'first come, first served' basis.
If you're visiting in the near future, we'll also be tasting the Hill Block Shiraz at Cellar Door from now until sold, within the next couple of weeks.
I really hope you enjoy this exciting new addition to the Lake's Folly family.
Cheers
Rod Kempe - Winemaker
