Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz 2017

Winemaking and Drinking

Fox Creek Wines, nestled in the picturesque McLaren Vale region of South Australia, is renowned for its commitment to producing premium wines that express the unique terroir of the region. Established in 1984 by Helen and Jim Watts, Fox Creek quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach and high-quality wines. The 2017 Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz is a testament to this legacy, embodying the distinctive characteristics of McLaren Vale's rich viticultural history.

The Vineyard

The McLaren Vale region is known for its Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate, combined with diverse soil types, provides ideal conditions for viticulture. The Fox Creek vineyard, situated on ancient clay and limestone soils, benefits from excellent drainage and a microclimate that enhances the development of robust and flavorful grapes. The Short Row block, a specific parcel within the vineyard, is particularly noted for producing high-quality Shiraz grapes with intense fruit concentration and complexity.

The 2017 growing season presented unique challenges and opportunities for vintners. A cool spring and early summer resulted in a slow, even ripening of the grapes, allowing for the development of complex flavors and balanced acidity. The meticulous vineyard management practices at Fox Creek, including hand-picking and careful canopy management, ensured that only the best grapes were selected for the Short Row Shiraz.

Winemaking 

The winemaking team at Fox Creek employs a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology to craft their wines. For the 2017 Short Row Shiraz, the grapes were destemmed and fermented in open-top fermenters to enhance color extraction and flavor intensity. Regular punch-downs and pump-overs were conducted to ensure even fermentation and integration of tannins. After fermentation, the wine was aged in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak barrels for 12 months, imparting subtle oak characteristics and enhancing the wine's complexity.

Tasting Notes

The 2017 Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz is a wine of remarkable depth and character. In the glass, it presents a deep, vibrant ruby color with purple hues. The nose is expressive, offering an enticing bouquet of dark berries, plum, and black cherry, interwoven with hints of vanilla, mocha, and a touch of black pepper.

On the palate, this Shiraz is full-bodied and richly textured. The dark fruit flavors dominate, complemented by notes of chocolate, licorice, and a subtle smokiness from the oak aging. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. Balanced acidity lends freshness, while the finish is long and persistent, leaving a lingering impression of ripe fruit and spice.

The 2017 Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz is a wine that beautifully reflects the terroir of McLaren Vale and the meticulous craftsmanship of the winemaking team. It is an excellent choice for pairing with grilled meats, hearty stews, or aged cheeses, and it has the potential to age gracefully over the next decade, developing even more complexity and nuance