Lazy Ballerina Shiraz Viognier

Region: McLaren Vale , South Australia

Sub - Region: Sellicks Hill (Shiraz) ; Blewitt Springs (Viognier)

Winemaking:

First made in the 2005 vintage by adding a few bucketfuls of Viognier to the Shiraz changes the feel of the wine...

Winemaker Notes:

Five wines have been released. The 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and now the 2009.

These are James' interpretations of this classic blend. The slight addition of fruity, aromatic and tannic Viognier to Shiraz is an ancient tradition in Cote du Rhone greatest wines.

The results here is a big structured Shiraz with the lifted palate of a wine that wants to be drunk young, but can be cellared. This wine is a steal for the money. It is the wine he always wanted to make...his Primadonna.

'I wanted to produce a wine that would sit nicely with d'Arenberg's Laughing Magpie or Yalumba's Shiraz Viognier. I wanted to make a Shiraz Viognier that wasn't syrupy but savoury,' says Mr Hook.

The wine is the best of what he does. The best grapes, the best wine and all of the tricks to deliver world class wine.

Production: 220 cases

Honour Roll:

2005 Vintage

Gold Medal 2006 McLaren Vale Wine Show
Gold Medal 2007 Small Winemakers Show
Silver Medal 2007 Winewise SVA awards
Bronze Medal 2007 McLaren Vale Wine Show

2006 Vintage

Gold Medal 2007 McLaren Vale Wine Show

2007 Vintage

Bronze Medal 2007 McLaren Vale Wine Show

2008 Vintage

Bronze Medal 2011 Cowra Wine Show