2002 MadFish Shiraz Tasting Notes

The 2002 season came off one of the driest winters on record so that flowering and fruit set were compromised by the very dry soil profile leading to lower than normal yields on all varieties. The low yielding Shiraz ripened earlier than normal with outstanding colour and flavour development. The early harvest was fortunate as the weather turned in late March with extensive rainfall events. 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 2002 MadFish Shiraz displays an outstanding rich and vibrant colour with a fragrant nose of black fruits, chocolate and fresh cracked black pepper; classic Shiraz characters from the South-West of Western Australia. The palate is rich in flavour but with seductive lightness and elegance. Dark cherry fruits with spicy savoury notes are supported by fine tannin and elegant background oak.

The 2002 MadFish Shiraz has sufficient fruit to allow early consumption but would benefit from short to medium term (5 years) aging.