Cooter & Cooter Shiraz 2019
The Wine
McLaren Vale experienced a dry winter and spring, coupled with record heat and dry conditions throughout summer led to an early and shorter vintage. Yields were only slightly down on the 2018 vintage despite the season’s challenges associated with low rainfall. The conditions, however, provided small berries with good concentrations of flavour.
Grown with minimal inputs on our Whites Valley vineyard, McLaren Vale. 97% Shiraz (planted 1996) and 3% Grenache (planted 1945). Two parcels were hand-picked in mid-late February and fermented with indigenous yeast separately in open top fermenters, with 12% whole bunch. The Shiraz spent a total of 14 days on skins. While the Grenache spent 11 days on skins, naturally beginning fermentation on day 3. Pressed together into seasoned puncheons. Matured in 100% 4-year-old French oak for 8 months. Blended just prior to bottling. No fining.
A bright and refreshing expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Fruit forward, round and fleshy. Smooth tannins give rise to a long, moreish finish. Cooter & Cooter
Following review for 2018 vintage “Immediately appealing with its juicy fruit, licorice, mocha and eucalypt flavours. Pure essence of the Vale with vitality and freshness; it spends 8 months in seasoned French barrels, no need of new oak as the fruit tannins add structure. It has its own groove. Drink by 2026.” 95 points, Halliday, WineCompanion.com.au, August 2020
The Details
Variety - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - South Australia
Sub Region - McLaren Vale
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2019
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
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.
