2002 Saltram The Eighth Maker Shiraz Winery: Saltram Vintage: 2002 Region: Barossa Valley SA Bottle Size: 750mlml Variety: Shiraz Price: $240.00 (out of stock)

The Eighth Maker is the embodiment of the proud winemaking heritage established by founder, William Salter, in 1859. Current Senior Winemaker, Nigel Dolan, has crafted this wine with the influences of the region and the seven Senior Winemakers before him.

The Saltram winery in the heart of the Barossa played a significant role at the beginning of Nigel’s life – forming his interests and ideas as the son of a winemaker, Brian Dolan.

Watching and learning from current and past eras of the rich Barossa winemaking traditions, there was little doubt Nigel Dolan would be influenced by his surroundings.

The Eighth Maker, crafted by Nigel Dolan reflects the character of the Barossa; outstanding Shiraz fruit, a sense of history and a hand-made approach to winemaking, which has been Saltram’s central philosophy for 145 years.

Personal, intimate and an insight into one Winemaker’s journey for excellence – The Eighth Maker welcomes you.

A personal expression of the Barossa’s fine Shiraz tradition, Saltram’s The Eighth Maker is the embodiment of the proud winemaking heritage established by founder, William Salter, in 1859. Current Senior Winemaker, Nigel Dolan, has crafted this wine with the influences of the region and the seven Senior Winemakers before him. In a life that has come full circle, the Saltram winery in the Barossa played a significant role at the beginning of Nigel’s life, forming his  interests and ideals as the son of a winemaker. Now much later– and as Saltram’s eighth Senior Winemaker– his family, his passions and his vocation are once again irrevocably tied to this winery and the region. The Eighth Maker is personal, intimate and an insight into one Winemaker’s journey for excellence. The Eighth Maker 2002 sets the standard for iconic Australian Shiraz. The winner of the 2003 Jimmy Watson Trophy, the most hotly contested since the extraordinary 1998 vintage wines competed during 1999. The Eighth Maker 2002 sets a benchmark for others to follow.

The Eighth Maker Shiraz 2002 is deep velvet red with rich violet hues in the glass. The aromas present on the nose are, the very essence of Barossa Shiraz. Complex, layered aromas of blackcurrant, liquorice, spice dark berry and cherry continue to develop further complexity on the elegant, complex palate. Subtle French oak notes and refined bottle maturation characters complete this truly magnificent wine.

Viticulture

In The Eighth Maker, Nigel Dolan seeks to create a wine that is his personal expression of the best of Barossa Shiraz. He has the unique opportunity to select fruit from some of the most exceptional low yielding vineyards in the Barossa to craft this exceptional wine. The impeccable Shiraz selected showed depth and intense concentration, influenced by the Barossa’s warm climate, unique soil profile and the age of the vines. The 2002 vintage has produced some of the most exceptional wines in living memory. The conditions during 2002 were some of the coolest on record and this allowed the old vines to slowly and surely develop some of the most intense, rich and well-structured fruit ever.

Winemaking

Saltram The Eighth Maker 2002 was crafted to capture the exceptional fruit characters and the outstanding quality of the fruit from the 2002 vintage. Early in the season the winemaker singled out certain vineyard parcels as potential blend components. These vineyards were carefully tended to ensure that the fruit reached its full potential, with each parcel being carefully monitored so it could be harvested at perfect ripeness. The bunches were partially de-stemmed and crushed into 8 tonne open fermenters to undergo fermentation under traditional heading down boards. The use of heading-down boards and the retention of some stems in the must added to the complexity and intensity of the finished wine. After a 10-day ferment on skins, the wine was pressed and transferred into new and seasoned French and American oak for 22 months maturation prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring

Drinking now will offer an exceptional experience of Barossa Shiraz– one of Australia’s best. Careful cellaring for more than a decade will prove, yet again, that persistence and enduring excellence can create a legend.

Suggested Food

Drink with beef en daube or roasted venison served with potatoes roasted in goose fat.

Technical Details

Harvest Date: March - April 2002

pH: 3.5  Total Acidity: 6.98 g/L 

Residual Sugar: 2.73 g/L  Alcohol: 14%

Bottling Date: March 2004