Stonyridge Larose 2011

Description

The 2011 Larose is a real triumph for Stonyridge. The team had survived the wettest summer combined with one of the hottest vintages on record to have an above average amount of wine in barrel. As a result of the difficult vintage, a significant amount of normal Larose quality fruit was declassified to Airfield. Despite some higher crop levels in the vineyard, a relatively small amount of Larose was produced.

Visually, the wine is a deep ruby with a brightness through the rim of the glass. On the nose, the concentrated cassis and plum characters combine with the lifted violets to give more of a right bank style Bordeaux blend, an indication of the significant Merlot proportion in this particular Larose. The oak integrates to provide pencil shavings and mocha notes, and supports the fruit weight harmoniously. The wine is has a firm structure and is quite tight at present from the natural acidity. This balances and accentuates the ripe tannins as well as giving length to the sweet fruit through the mid-palate.

Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenere