media release
Southern Highland Wines in its short history has become a leader in the development of premium cool climate wines in the Southern Highlands region. SHW announce the release of three new wines, the 2004 SHW Estate Chardonnay, 2003 SHW Estate Shiraz and 2003 SHW Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. According to winemaker Eddy Rossi, collectively these three wines are considered the best SHW has released to date.
Eddy Rossi winemaker at Southern Highland Wines, commented, "the wines are a perfect example of the regions cool climate qualities, the increased complexity gained from the maturing vines stands out in this group of new releases".
The 2004 SHW Estate Chardonnay (Suggested retail $20.00) the third vintage release of this variety was produced from grapes grown on selected premium vineyards under our direct control in the Southern Highlands. 2004 vintage conditions were outstanding, fine warm weather ensured even ripening and clean fruit. Many vineyards, particularly with red varieties, reached high maturity levels not seen in many years.
Chardonnay was typically slow to ripen, but with good conditions all came in clean with excellent flavours. Eddy Rossi describes the wine as "an elegant fruit driven wine showing delightful bouquet and length of palate. Try with pan fried quail".
The 2003 vintage year was excellent for fruit quality with dry warm autumn conditions allowing good flavour maturity and ripening. However late rain during harvest led to an extended period on the vine, which in the end tested the skills of the viticultural and winemaking team, the rewards show in the current new releases.
The two SHW Estate reds are the second release, and are showing the benefits of more mature vines. Both wines were made from grapes grown on carefully selected premium vineyards in the Southern Highlands, batches were kept separate until the final blends.
The 2003 SHW Estate Shiraz (Suggested retail $20.00) is showing rich fruit flavours of ripe berries, spice and plums integrated with subtle oak characters. Well balanced acidity, delicate tannins and a mouth filling finish complete this elegant wine. Great with kangaroo fillets.
An outstanding example of cool climate cabernet fruit is the 2003 SHW Estate Cabernet Sauvignon,(Suggested retail $20.00) a wine favoured by winemaker Eddy Rossi as the most outstanding of the 2003 vintage reds. Describing the wine, he says "the early season dry warm conditions gave the grapes additional complexity; the wine has subtle blackcurrant and dark mint flavours, supported by the well integrated characters of French oak, the finish is dry with gentle tannins. A beautifully balanced wine that may be enjoyed now but with the complexities for cellaring potential. Enjoy with lamb shanks".
Southern Highland Wines a new and exciting name in Australian cool-climate viticulture has been building its profile in the domestic market. The appointment of its own sales team in Sydney has already brought about success in both on and on premise segments. Continued growth is planned with opportunities for distribution in Victoria and Queensland.
Recent developments in the United Kingdom, SE Asia and the USA have shown significant growth in the first 12 months of trading.
SHW launches new web site please see www.southernhighlandwines.com
For further information please contact: Winemaker, Eddy Rossi Southern Highland Wines +61 2 4868 2300 eddy@shw.com.au	Prepared for and on behalf of Southern Highland Wines by Douglas Hamilton, Winebizzo +61 2 4862 3383 winebizzo@bigpond.com 9th June 2005