2001 MadFish Shiraz Tasting Notes

The 2001 growing season was as perfect as could be reasonably expected; mild temperatures, ample sunshine and virtually no summer rainfall. The grapes under these conditions developed intense colour and flavour which have contributed to the best Madfish Shiraz yet produced. The selected Shiraz was fermented in open stainless steel tanks with twice daily pumpovers to aid fruit tannin development. Maturation in new, 1 year old and 2-year old French oak for 12 months allowed the wine to develop and gain structure. The objective was to produce an elegant Shiraz with complex aromas and characters and with texture and structure that would reward cellaring, the use of French oak instead of traditional American oak gives rise to a wine of greater sophistication.

The 2001 MadFish Shiraz is a very good wine. Dark and dense it raises the expectations. The nose is rich and multi-layered; dark cherries, chocolate, spice and pepper combine to produce an intriguing, seductive bouquet. The palate explodes in flavour; ripe fruit flavours tempered by spicy, savoury characters all given structure from elegant French oak. The best Madfish Shiraz yet.

The 2001 MadFish Shiraz is so good to drink now it will be hard to put down for cellaring but it will benefit from short to medium term (5 years) aging.