MCDXLIX—the name of this wine is taken from the roman numerals for 1449. 1449 is the year that marks the beginning of the Tornielli family. Since then over five centuries of history and family winemaking have culminated in the crafting of these fine contemporary Australian wines.
 
Winemaker: Ed Tornielli
Region: Langhorne Creek
Soil: Sandy loam
Varieties: Shiraz [65%] and Dolcetto [35%]
 
Tasting notes: Our aim as always is to satisfy that expectation of consistent quality for our friends. Expect the classic hints of herb and spice to compliment obvious black fruit characters of plum and blackcurrant. Shiraz dominates and give the richness, texture and structure while Dolcetto placates the palate with soft forward fruit.
 
Vinification: Each individual variety was fermented on skins for 5 days before pressing. Maturation in 1 to 3-year oak barrels. All ferments were kept cool to enhance the aromatics and to keep the tannins soft.
 
2015 Vintage: Good winter rainfall offered cover crops for a moisture-retaining mulch throughout the dry spring and summer. Summer saw mostly cool temperatures and an early vintage with most of the region’s fruit off by early April.
The Langhorne Creek wine region benefits from cooling afternoon breezes from Lake Alexandrina and this season was no exception. The welcome breezes helped keep overnight temperatures down, enabling fruit to maintain natural acidity.