Songlines

McLaren Vale Shiraz

Songlines is a spectacular and individual, hand-crafted Shiraz that is produced with rigorous care and attention and in small quantities by David Fatches and John Duval.

The winemaking behind Songlines is extremely complicated as no individual vineyard parcel is given the same complete treatment. Each vineyard is separated into a minimum of two discrete batches for fermentation, often more, and different techniques applied to each.

In truth, a great many techniques are used, all depending on the individual batch and what is required by the grapes. The decision is made at the time of harvest and not predetermined by a recipe.

About 15% of the total is fermented in barrel, giving more intense but softer rounder extraction of oak flavour and tannins. Before being assembled, batches are matured for a minimum of 18 months in new oak barrels, approximately 90% French and 10% American.

What does remain constant is the careful and expert husbandry and faultless attention to detail. Each individual parcel is tasted daily and acted on to respond to its needs.

The result is an amazing process which builds layers of complexity into Songlines and allows for development in years to come. It will reward those with the appropriate cellar conditions for extended maturation of 20 years or more.

The team at Songlines Estates realises that packaging is part of the premium sell and culture of fine wine. Each bottle of Songlines is individually wrapped in tissue paper and sold in lay-down, six-bottle, hand-made wooden boxes.

Our Other Wines

Bylines McLaren Vale Shiraz
Bylines Hunter Valley Chardonnay
Leylines McLaren Vale Shiraz