The Wine People Red Wine - Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache Australia 75cl

The AAA on the label pays homage to David’s days in the wool trade and was stamped on the best grades of wool by the Guesser. It is a vibrant blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro from some special little pockets amongst Paxton's vineyards. The Shiraz was selected from the ‘Gateway’ and ‘Jones Block’ vineyards, renowned for producing some of the best fruit in the region. These select parcels were blended with complimentary Grenache to create a wine that is engaging to a wide range of drinkers. Paxton's blend is fun, appealing and, unlike some members of Paxton, not over the top.

Colour:
Dusty road

Bouquet:
A captivating interplay of cool-vintage fruit and earthy depth. Ripe red cherries, cranberries, and forest strawberries sit atop a foundation of herbal intrigue, with notes of sage, thyme, and a touch of dried bay leaf adding complexity. Hints of star anise, balsamic undertones, and earthy forest floor evoke the grounded resilience of the vineyard. Subtle traces of cacao nib and cedar weave through, completing the sensory journey.

Palate:
The wine reveals a seamless blend of fruit and savoury character. Juicy red and bramble fruits from the Shiraz lead, with Grenache contributing a bright, spicy core. Beneath the fruit, an earthy undercurrent of clay, crushed herbs, and dusty minerals lends depth and structure. Mataro adds further gravitas with savoury, smoky notes and fine-grained tannins. Soft acidity keeps the wine fresh and vibrant, while the finish lingers with herbal nuances of thyme and wild rosemary, balanced by the vibrant energy of red currants and a hint of spice.

Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential:
The AAA is a fantastic wine when young, with potential to get even better in bottle over 10 years plus.

Food Matches:
Slow roasted baby back ribs or Lentil Sheppard's Pie

Vinification:
Individual vineyard parcels of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro are fermented in a combination of open top and static fermenters. During this process, each parcel was plunged and/or pumped over twice a day until sugar dry or longer to extract colour, flavour and tannin structure. The ferments were pressed to seasoned French oak barriques (225L) and puncheons (500L), where they were nurtured for 12 months prior to blending and bottling.

Vintage Notes:
Low and slow. The 2023 growing season was a time for viticulturalists to show off their impressive skills. From a cold and wet, seemingly never-ending winter to a Spring which seemed like it was still winter, a long, cool Summer which seemed like Spring, challenges were abound. Numerous climatic challenges including cool and windy weather during flowering, one of the wettest Springs for 30 years and even more windy weather in Summer meant that crops were small but Paxton's organic and biodynamic farming methods paid off — their vines showed incredible resilience to whatever came their way. A season that was around three weeks late on average and had a much slower ripening period means that 2023 wines show great acid, complex layers of delicate flavours, lightness, brightness, and longevity.

Music Match:
Lights on the Hill — Slim Dusty