Voyager Estate Shiraz 2003

The 2003 Voyager Estate Shiraz is the result of many years of viticultural refinement. The use of modern viticultural practices have enabled us to control Shiraz vine vigour. This work has meant we have finally been able to eliminate the 'wintergreen' character that has run through the tannins in our Shiraz in past vintages. This vigour has meant the vines have been putting all their energy into vegetative growth and not physiological fruit ripeness. After four years of focused viticulture, including pruning, trellising, trimming and an irrigation strategy, we have begun to see balance in these once wild vines, allowing the vine to concentrate its energy on fruit quality rather than vine growth.

2003 was an ideal vintage for Shiraz. It was warm and dry, but not so hot that it caused berry shrivel. We saw good physiological tannin ripeness, amazing color and great flavor development early on in the season. This ensured the fresh primary fruit characters were retained, avoiding the overripe jammy flavors Shiraz can produce. Substantial progress in our vineyard and ideal vintage conditions, has resulted in the best Shiraz yet produced at Voyager Estate.