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Michael Hall Triangle Block 2013:

Announcement posted by Michael Hall Wines 13 May 2016

The newest vintage of Michael Hall’s Barossa Valley Shiraz, Stone Well has been released.

Media release

Friday, 13 May 2016

Tanunda, South Australia (for immediate release)

Following the success of the previous vintage that featured on the AFR’s Top 20 ‘Best Wines 2015’ by Philip Rich, Michael Hall Wines is pleased to release the new Triangle Block, Barossa Valley Shiraz, Stone Well 2013.

Michael Hall has released a collection of beautifully-crafted and unique wines since the first vintage of his eponymous label in 2008. Triangle Block Shiraz 2013 is another most welcome addition.

“After a parched winter and a warm summer the vines produced a pretty small crop to nurture. But they did a good job, allowing us to pick early on 15 February and giving us a wine that breathes the iron-rich soil and tight mulberry-perfumed fruit of this block. Though there’ll be not nearly enough of it!” Michael Hall said of the new vintage.

Michael Hall Triangle Block, Barossa Valley Shiraz, Stone Well 2013

(14.1% Alc./Vol., RRP $44.00)

Tasting notes­

This Barossa Valley Shiraz was wild yeast fermented, 15% whole bunch, before spending 20 months in French oak (17% new), unfiltered. It shows refined fruit, Morello cherry, tart mulberry and tamarind, with earthy coffee bean and powdery tannins.

2013 vintage report

Poor winter rains and a warm, dry summer ensured an early season with low yields through much of the Barossa, with the Triangle Block hand-picked on 15 February 2013. Despite the dry start, the vintage turned out to be excellent. Langton’s rated 2013 in the Barossa Valley at 9/10 and Wine Companion at 8/10:

“The repeating refrain was the vines’ demand for water following a dry winter… The Barossa Valley had the driest November since 1967, but ideal temperatures throughout January and February (plus low yields) promoted berry flavour development and even ripening.”  (Australian Vintage 2013: A Snapshot,  James Halliday Australian Wine Companion.)

Terroir

The Triangle Block in Stone Well is situated on the eastern fringe of the Seppeltsfield sub-region of the Barossa Valley. The vineyard lies on distinct red, iron-rich soil and while not certified, is managed under biodynamic principles. Its relative lower elevation lends itself to earlier ripening, which is also influenced by the gentle northerly aspect.

Previous vintage

The last vintage, Michael Hall Barossa Valley Shiraz Stone Well 2012, was a great success (now sold out) with renowned wine critic Philip Rich including it in his Top 20 ‘Best Wines 2015’ in the AFR. Rich noted, ‘Englishman Michael Hall, a former jewellery valuer, has produced a super wine in the 2012 Stone Well. Using grapes picked a little earlier than is typical in the Barossa, it features red and black fruits, a little spice – rare in Barossa shiraz – and a whiff of well-handled cedary French oak. The palate is medium-bodied. It’s the more elegant end of the Barossa spectrum, but not lacking in flavour, concentration or length.’ (Financial Review Magazine, December 2015.) The 2013 vintage will no doubt be an impressive follow up to this success.

Michael Hall looks forward to the sharing this limited 197 case production with the wine interested public. The wine is available online (http://www.michaelhallwines.com/pages/buy-wine.php) and at a collection discerning of restaurants and retailers.  

Michael Hall Wines retail stockists include: Annandale Cellars, Australian Wine Centre, Bests Cellars, Blackhearts & Sparrows, City Wine Shop, Cloud Wine, Craft Wine, Cru Bar, East End Cellars, Edinburgh Cellars, Goodwood Cellars, Harry and Frankie, Malt Cellars, Northbridge Cellars, Prince Wine Store, Rathdowne Cellars, Spiro’s, Vintage Blue, Wine Emporium and Wine Experience.

For more information or images, please contact Kimberley Pearce at Wine Brain, kp@winebrain.com.au, 0413 120 385.

MICHAEL HALL | Adelaide Hills Eden Valley Barossa Valley | A 10 George Street, Tanunda, South Australia 5352 Australia | M +61 (0) 419 126 290 | E info@michaelhallwines.com | W michaelhallwines.com | T @michaelhallwine

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