Glaetzer Anaperenna Barossa Valley Shiraz Cabernet 2017  £43.95

Glaetzer Anaperenna Barossa Valley Shiraz Cabernet 2017

Glaetzer Anaperenna is a seamless fusion of the two varieties Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Voluptuous, opulent and yet refined, with a very long and satisfying finish.

The name Anaperenna has been inspired by Anna Perenna, the Roman goddess of the New Year. Anna Perenna symbolises the year's cycle and her name translates as 'enduring year'. Romans honoured Anna Perenna with a festival held on the first full moon of the Roman calendar. On March 15th they would ask Anna to grant them longevity, and a healthy year for each glass of wine they drank on that day.

The symbol on the label is the Egyptian Ankh (pronounced: onk). Historically the ankh symbolised sunrise, regeneration, regrowth and renewal.

Exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Vine age 30—100-year-old Shiraz and 30—130-year-old Cabernet. Yield 2.5 tonnes per hectare.

Wet winter and spring coupled with cooler than average spring temperatures resulted in slower yet balanced canopy development and healthy flowering and fruit set. A mild summer with regular rainfall events followed allowing the fruit to be in no rush to mature, perfect for consistent ripening. Harvest commenced a few weeks later than in recent years. The 2017 wines are of excellent quality exhibiting purity and lift with firm tannins and exceptional length.

Fermented in 1 and 2-tonne open fermenters, hand plunged 3 times daily. Matured for 16 months in 100% new oak hogshead barrels (92% French and 8% American) and matured on lees to maintain fruit profile and animation. Bottled unfiltered to ensure minimal intervention with the wine’s natural characteristics.

In the glass, this wine is impenetrable black with a hint of purple. The aroma is a spectrum of spicy yet plummy fruit, intense notes of liquorice and mixed herbs. The palate displays dense dark flavours yet with freshness and drive. This wine will mature extremely well with long term cellaring up to 20 years.