THE '1860 VINES' STORY ...
As original as the Estate itself, these un-grafted, pre-phylloxera Shiraz plantings are amongst the oldest in the world.
he vines have survived Phylloxera – the vine louse that decimated Europe’s vineyards and arrived at Tahbilk in the late 1800s – as well as Mother Nature’s droughts, floods and killer frosts.
Our ‘1860 Vines’ planting was nominated by renowned USA Wine & Spirits magazine as one of the 25 Great Vineyards of the World. The vineyards selected were those where the terroir – the total environment of a place, including soil, climate, aspect, vine and even history “is most clearly perceptible in the wine.”
Wine auctioneers Langton’s recently released Classification of Australian Wine VII lists Tahbilk’s ‘1860 Vines’ Shiraz releases as ‘Outstanding’, defined as “the best of Australian winemaking practices, vineyard provenance and regional voice”. “The exquisite and increasingly rare 1860 Vines Shiraz … typically possesses violet, herb garden, blackberry and chocolate aromas, loose-knit gravelly tannin structures, and underlying roasted walnut and chestnut notes.”
Since the 1979 vintage inaugural release under Alister’s tutelage, these wines have become one of the world’s most sought after wine collectables and, more importantly, sublime drinks.
Enjoy Now to 2035+
“Multi-faceted and complex, the sublime character of our ‘1860 Vines’ Shiraz release from the 2014 vintage demands time to truly savour. There is nothing straightforward here, threads of blackberry, spice, red berry and truffles twist and turn around a nose and palate of much finesse. New and older French oak barrels contribute their own subtle spice and support alongside a backbone of fine grained tannins.”
Alister Purbrick ~ 4th Generation ~ Winemaker
“This was the first iconic wine I ever tasted. I still recall parting with my pocket money with glee!
This is as of red fruit notes as it is of black. Yet at this nascent stage, a herbal potpourri is slathered across a carpet of oak cedars, impeccably wrought slinky tannins and dutiful acidity. A seamless sheath!
The wine’s pulse is forceful and the finish long, although it is far from heavy in any way. The fruit will unravel in time, yet it is not to be rushed. Drink to 2040.”
Ned Goodwin ~ Halliday Wine Companion 2019 ~ www.winecompanion.com.au
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