Rock of Wisdom, Shiraz Viognier

Wine Type: Red

Grape(s): Shiraz, Viognier

Country: Australia

Region: Barossa Valley

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 14.5%

Vineyard: Husband and wife team Pete and Sofi Hiscock are here to show the world the softer, brighter side of the Barossa. Pete brings the rock, Sofi brings the wisdom, and together they produce wines in the heart of the Barossa. Established in 2014, like other forward thinkers, such as Dave Geyer, they focus on early picking for freshness, gentle extraction and sparing oak, to portray the fruit in its purest form. Putting drinkability at the forefront, these wines are for drinking with friends, with or without food, and for 100% pleasure. As they say on their website, “Wise people say that all wines should be tasted. Wiser people say that some wines should be sipped. Wisdom says for others, drink the whole bottle. We are that bottle."

Winery: The Shiraz grapes were selected from the Western ridge of the valley. It fermented spontaneously and kept at a moderately cooler temperature to maintain the lush fruit character. Mid ferment, the Viognier skins were added. The juice was then sent to old oak barrels were it remained for 12 months, before being bottled with one small sulphur addition and without fining or filtration.

Like they do in the northern Rhone, the Viognier does a wonderful job at lifting the aromatics of the wine without imparting sweetness, while softening the tannins. This is plush and richly fruited, generous and full bodied.