Article by:
ECK Wines
The Wine
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The terroir of our little Lakeside Vineyard, which is located just 60 metres from Lake Eppalock, right in the middle of the Heathcote wine growing region, presents an ideal location for this delicate and early-picked Heathcote Syrah. The fruit is usually hand harvested for our Sparkling Shiraz. However, in 2019, the base wine (sulphur free) tasted so delicate and unique, we wanted to keep it as a table wine. Hence, our first “Lakeside” Syrah.
The Vineyard
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Our little one acre of Shiraz vines were planted in 2003 by Peter and Sharon Armstead. Located only 150m from the northern banks of Lake Eppalock in Knowsley, this unique easterly facing site has a shallow strip of Cambrian soil snaking through the middle of the vineyard. The remaining soil is clay loams. Comprising only 25 rows and approximately 600 vines, our vineyard was spur pruned from 2003 to 2018. In the winter of 2018, we decided to transition to cane pruning, for the longevity of the vines. We use no herbicides; hand weed and use only a very small amount of spray to prevent against fungicide and disease in those wet and humid months. The fruit is hand-picked every year by us, with the help of family and friends. We start early to beat the heat and follow up with a long booze lunch on the front deck overseeing the lake.
Winemaking Notes
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The grapes for our 2019 Syrah were handpicked on 2 March 2019, just after the berries ripened at 11.0 baumé. Typically, the vineyard is low cropped, allowing the berries to have great concentration and an incredible colour depth. The fruit was transported straight to the winery for processing. Fermented over a 10-day period in small, open fermenters with twice daily punch downs and temperature control. Post ferment, the wine was racked into seasoned French barriques, none new to avoid heavy oak exposure. The wine went through secondary fermentation in late May 2019, with no sulphur additions. Bottling took place in May 2020, after approximately 13 months ageing. The wine was not fined or filtered.
Palate: Juicy blackberries, with a savoury mid-palate. Delicate and light, with complex mulberry and subtle mint undertones.
Varieties: 100% Shiraz
Soil: Clay loams.
Maturation: 13 months in old oak.
Closure: Natural Cork and Wax
$30.00 / 750ml Bottle