The city of Mildura is based on the northwest corner of Victoria in the Riverland wine region, not far from the border of South Australia. Mildura is home to many Italian and Greek immigrants who came to Australia during the days of free passage just after the Second World War. Many of the immigrants brought with them a farming background as well as winemaking skills.

Today, the Riverland contributes just over 25% of Australia’s total wine production. The soil is unique to the Murray River system and is known technically as calcareous earth, ranging from brown to red brown loamy sand, sandy loam or loam. The surface is neutral to moderately alkaline with increasing alkalinity at depth as textures become more clayey and calcareous. The surface soils are permeable although perched water tables (attributable in part to soil properties and topography resulting from management practices) are associated with salinity build-up and can create problems in some areas. Overall, however, the soil supports the vigorous growth and high grape yields required.

The Guilty

The Guilty 2006
Shinas Estate - Mildura, Victoria, Australia

WINE INFORMATION:
Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Vintage: 2006
Vineyard: Shinas Estate, Mildura
Vine Age: 13-38
Clones: 27
Trellis: VSP
Vines per Hectare: 1250
Yield: 3 tones per Hectare
Soil Type: Loam over Red Clay
Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/l
Alcohol : 14.8%
Harvest Date: 18th March, 2006
Brix: 27
Skin Contact: 5 days
Oak: 20 months
Coopers: 100% old French Barrels
Bottled Date: 10th February 2008
Production: 3000 cases
Cellaring: 5-10 years

TASTING NOTES: Ripe shiny blackberry red. Voluptuous cherry, vanilla and peppery spice aromas and full-bodied flavors packed with smoky vanillin oak, cherry and strawberry fruits, chocolate and mocha all wrapped up in a big, rich, velvety smooth package. A juicy wine with fine tannins, the pepper detected on the nose kicks in again to make a welcome re-appearance on the powerful finish.

Overheard by George

"My philosophy to wine making is never be totally happy with the quality of your previous vintage. There is always room for improvement."

"The continuing drought is playing havoc with crop yields. This year the Australian crop harvest will be one of the lowest in years. I'm an optimist and unlike most people I see this as a positive. When yields are light, wine quality rises. That a good thing because life is too short to drink ordinary wine." George Shinas

Que Syrah - Shiraz - This Month's Shipment

Shinas Estate is situated in the northwest region of Victoria. This region is best known for its Mediterranean-like climate. The first vines were planted in the region in 1886 and by 1898 vine planting commenced on the estate. Since 1898, eight generations of grape growing and wine producing have experienced this land. Current owner George Shinas has a passion for perfection and he uses artisanal methods to produce premium hand crafted wine.

Currently there are only two wines in the Shinas Estate portfolio, the Guilty Shiraz and the Innocent Viognier. The names for the wines come from owner George Shinas's career as a Bail Justice (judge) in his hometown of Mildura.

George Shinas minimizes irrigation of the vineyard, which reduces cropping levels and enhances fruit quality. The Winery also utilizes a horizontal trellis system, which allows for ideal fruit exposure which ripens the fruit to perfection. The fruit is left on the vines long beyond traditional periods, allowing the intense flavors that characterize the wine, to develop. In true boutique style, only the highest quality fruit is selected for harvest. Barrel aged, the Guilty has a concentrated aroma of mature fruit, French Oak and flavors that are full, rich and complex.