M. Chapoutier Ergo Sum Shiraz 2014

Ergo Sum is the Australian Shiraz from Michel Chapoutier, the Rhone vintner who farms across Hermitage, Cote-Rotie and Chateauneuf-du-Pape and has extended his work to Victoria. The fruit comes from Victoria, a cooler, more southerly part of Australia than the warm-climate norm for Shiraz, which gives the wine ripeness alongside fresh acidity and a more peppery, structured profile than its alcohol of fourteen per cent might suggest. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, working the soil without synthetic chemicals to support vine health and a clear sense of place. The wine ages for eighteen months in oak, where extended barrel time and slow oxygen exchange build tannin structure, integrate the fruit and add spice and a smoky, savoury depth. The colour is deep and dark. The nose shows ripe plum and dark berry over black pepper, clove, smoke and dark chocolate, with leather emerging as it opens. The palate is full bodied and intense, with firm tannins, ripe dark fruit and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant for an hour. It suits grilled red meat, game and aged cheese.