2004 Roc Shiraz

The site, the fruit

The Yabby Lake site was never intended for shiraz. When the extensive soil surveys were completed, this particular block was deemed perfect for shiraz and so the visionary move to plant the variety on the peninsula was taken. The result – Roc Shiraz.

The Craft

The 2004 Growing Season was ideal - a mild, dry winter and spring led into a moderate summer with dry and warm conditions. The location of the Yabby Lake vineyard ensures the warm conditions are moderated with cooling sea breezes. Intensive, hands on, viticultural techniques such as shoot thinning and positioning, leaf plucking and fruit thinning was employed throughout the season ensuring the fruit was in perfect condition. The shiraz was picked in late March 2004 and bottled in July 2006. The fruit was hand picked and then gently crushed into open fermenters. There was a deliberate effort to take a pinot noir winemakers approach to this wine. So techniques such as retention of whole berries, gentle handling and hand plunging were utilized. Pressing occurred after three weeks on skins in an air bag press. The wine was then transferred to 100% new French oak barriques where it remained for maturation for 24 months to gain mouth feel and complexity.

The Result

The small planting of shiraz on the vineyard was superb, allowing our winemakers to make a very special wine; full bodied yet elegant cool climate shiraz made in a strictly limited quantity. This wine has been named in honour of Robert’s father, Roc Kirby, Founder of Village Roadshow – a man of integrity, purpose and vision who left an indelible mark on all of those he met.

The Roc Shiraz displays a deep magenta colour. The bouquet has wonderful intensity and fragrance. Spicy French oak, plums, dark berries and hints of Ribena. The palate oozes with luscious fruit and has a wonderful velvety texture that lingers on the harmonious finish that goes on and on.