AusVetia practices a traditional path to produce this wine, using the best and most appropriate new technology when necessary. The grapes are picked at optimum ripeness that enhance the style and are specially selected for the right balance of sugars, acidity, flavor and tannin. They are then fermented by region and varietal using a combination of natural and added yeasts. The cuvaison lasts 7 days, after which the wine is run off and filled into new French and American oak barrels depending on variety, where it lies for 22 months. Selected barrels are then blended to achieve the desired character and structure.

AusVetia

Region:  McLaren Vale

Varietals: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes & Review:  2004   

Background:
Kym Tolley produces some of Coonawarra’s finest wines from his selfdeveloped, 200-acre Penley Estate vineyard in the center of this famed region. Most winemakers would be thrilled to have achieved this much in their lifetime. Although a challenge to produce a trademark style that is not restricted to a particular region but is instead an amalgam of the ripest, richest fruit possible in a given year led Tolley to develop a separate brand, AusVetia.

Winemaker Notes:
The depth of color is dark and thick, tending toward black. The aromas show intense blackberry fruit, pepper and spice. The palate is a big ripe sweet style with rich intensity with lingering flavors of cedar and tobacco drawn in part from the oak. Whilst a powerful style, shows a degree of softness and balance. Key element is the overwhelming fruity nature and the soft but strong oak tannin. An exceptional year. Well below average yields, but wines big structured and deeply colored and flavored.

Buy this wine

Past tasting notes and reviews