Simonsig Shiraz 2015

In the vineyard

The 2015 harvest is definitely one for the books. We had the earliest start in decades. Warmer weather in August resulted in earlier bud break, after which a warm, dry, windy summer accelerated ripening by approximately two weeks. The dry weather also led to a very healthy vintage. The selected blocks were picked from mid-March to end of March. The healthy vineyards delivered grapes with beautiful layers of fruit and we are very excited about the results of the 2015 vintage. In 1993 a new planting program was started for Shiraz and only the best available clones were planted. These clones are all virus treated and come from South Africa, France and Argentina. The 1996 Shiraz was the first wine to include grapes from the new plantings. The new clones ripen earlier with high sugar levels and an abundance of colour and fruit flavours. The yields are also higher and green harvesting is done to limit the yield. Shiraz is the most planted grape variety on Simonsig Estate because the terroir is perfectly suited to produce excellent quality Shiraz.