Deep garnet in colour with a lifted array of black-cherries, plums and red-licorice aromas. A rich, powerful and well structured palate, displaying flesh and appealing textured tannins. The 2019 harvest was an exceptional Barossa vintage for old vine Shiraz, suggesting that this wine will mature well for many years to come.
Grape Variety:
- Shiraz 100% old vine (50+ years-old)
Technical Details:
- Alcohol 14.5%
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- pH 3.70
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- Acidity 6.41 g/L
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- Residual sugar: nil
Vineyards:
- Moppa 80+ year-old vines
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- Menglers Hill 60+ year-old vines
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- Light Pass 80+ year-old vines
Hand harvested, destemmed and crushed into small 1.5 tonne open-top fermenters. The fruit was chilled for 6 days before being allowed to naturally warm to start fermentation. Various cap management techniques were used to highlight the unique characters of the individual vineyard parcels. After 20-25 days on skins the ferments were pressed and transferred to a combination of new (50%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads. Matured for 18 months in oak without racking, the wines were then carefully blended, naturally clarified and bottled without filtration.
To qualify for the Romulus blend the vineyards need to over 50 years of age and managed sustainably.
A story that has intrigued us for years is the fable of the legendary founders of Ancient Rome, Romulus and Remus. These twins were abandoned at birth and reared by a she-wolf. Romulus murdered his twin in a fit of rage over the naming of Rome, the city which both had built. Legend presents Romulus as the stronger, more powerful of the brothers, while Remus was more refined, focussed and elegant. We believe the twins’ characterise the distinctive and unique flavours and attributes of Shiraz from the twin valleys – the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley.
Optimum year 2030+
Reviews
Best in Show 97 pts
Decanter World Wine Awards
Vituoso, vanguard Barossa.
Trophy & Top Gold
Winewise Small Vigneron Awards 2022
96 pts
James Suckling
Lots of old-vine character with bark, dark mushroom and moss to the blackberry and plum aromas and flavors. Some black truffles, too. Full-bodied, but not overpowering, with creamy tannins and lots of intensity at the finish. Always in reserve at the end. So drinkable, but it will age fabulously.
95 pts
James Halliday (Dave Brookes)
A deep and concentrated shiraz that flexes considerable muscle yet retains a sense of elegance. Super-deep blackberry and black cherry notes with hints of baking spice, licorice, dark chocolate, crème de cassis and roast meats. Impressive fruit weight and density, tightly packed tannins and a meaty, blackberry fruited finish of considerable length.