Crafted from 80 year old vines, this exceptional McLaren Vale Shiraz embodies generations of Australian winemaking heritage. Each cluster of fruit is carefully hand-harvested and cold-soaked for seven days, allowing the gentle extraction of deep color and complex flavors from these ancient vines.
The wine undergoes a natural fermentation process with wild yeasts for 21 days, preserving the authentic character of the vineyard. Following a gentle pressing, it matures for 36 months in a thoughtfully selected combination of new French and American oak barrels, developing remarkable depth and sophisticated oak integration.
This meticulous approach yields a wine of outstanding concentration and complexity, showcasing the distinctive terroir of McLaren Vale and the profound depth that only century-old vines can provide. A testament to patience and precision in winemaking, the Curtis Gladiator stands as a pinnacle expression of Australian Shiraz.
Curtis Gladiator McLaren Vale Shiraz
Appearance: Deep purple-black with a vibrant crimson rim.
Nose: Intensely aromatic, revealing layers of blackberry compote, dark plum, and black cherry, complemented by notes of mocha, vanilla bean, and sweet spices. Complex undertones of black pepper, dark chocolate, and subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs emerge with aeration.
Palate: Full-bodied and opulent, displaying remarkable concentration from the old vines. Rich flavours of black fruits cascade across the palate, interweaving with dark chocolate, espresso, and sweet tobacco. The 36-month oak maturation contributes sophisticated notes of vanilla, cedar, and toasted spice while adding structure and complexity.
Finish: Exceptionally long and profound, with fine-grained tannins providing excellent structure. The finish reveals layers of dark fruit, spice, and a subtle minerality characteristic of McLaren Vale terroir.
Cellaring: While drinking beautifully now, this wine will continue to evolve and develop additional complexity over the next 15-40 years when cellared properly.
ALC 14.0% / 750ml