Cooter & Cooter Shiraz 2024

Variety: Shiraz

Country, Region: South Australia, McLaren Vale

97% Shiraz (planted 1996) and 3% Mataro. The lead up to the 2024 vintage progressed with distinct weather changes and challenges. The growing season opened with dry periods and cool nights set against warm daytime temperatures. Spring delivered strong winds during flowering, reducing crop levels. December and January brought significant rainfall before conditions turned notably dry for the remainder of the season.  A heatwave in March, with four consecutive days above 37 degrees Celsius, added further intensity to the season. Despite these trials, the lighter crop allowed for meticulous fruit selection.
Picked on 7 March from a single block of our estate grown, the fruit was fermented with indigenous yeast in an open fermenter. A combination of whole bunches, whole berries, and extended skin contact, building dimension and aromatic lift. It was then gently basket pressed into seasoned French oak puncheons and matured for 12 months. A small addition of approximately 3% estate grown, handpicked Mataro was blended just before bottling. No fining. 14 % Alc/Vol; 5.8 TA; 3.56 pH.

A bright and refreshing expression McLaren Vale Shiraz. Aromas of fresh blackberry and dark cherry are lifted by subtle floral notes and gentle spice, adding aromatic complexity. The palate is buoyant and juicy, with vibrant acidity and fine detail throughout. Soft, supple tannins provide structure, contributing to a long, polished, and distinctly moreish finish.

2021 vintage took out the following prizes..!!

WINNER OF FOUR TROPHIES AT THE 2022 McLAREN VALE WINE SHOW, OCTOBER 2022!

• BEST SHIRAZ OF SHOW
• BEST SMALL PRODUCER
• BEST SINGLE-VINEYARD SHIRAZ
• BEST SHIRAZ ONE YEAR OLD OR YOUNGER

Cooter & Cooter is a family business and the logo reflects the connection between the generations of winemakers. The cursive script has been used by various Cooter businesses since 1847.

In 1992 Colin Cooter created Lengs & Cooter with Karel Lengs and in 2012 Colin’s son James established Cooter & Cooter with his wife Kimberly. A winemaker herself, Kimberly began learning her craft under the tutelage of her father, veteran McLaren Vale winemaker Walter Clappis. Walter is best known for his much celebrated time running Ingoldby Wines and more recently, The Hedonist Wines.

In 2005 James and Kimberly spent a year working in California’s Sonoma Valley then, invigorated by their experience, they returned to Australia to continue making wine at The Hedonist. Finally in 2012, now with over 20 vintages between them, they purchased their own vineyard at Whites Valley near Willunga in McLaren Vale. The vineyard, with views to the coast just a few kilometres away, features Grenache vines planted in the 1950s, along with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted in 1996.