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September 1st 2023, marked the release of our Icon Mast Shiraz, vintage 2020.
The Mast is our finest wine released from vintage 2020 and has been patiently ageing in bottle, awaiting this special day.
A Tribute to Trevor Mast
First put together in 2012, the Mast Shiraz is a tribute to the late Trevor Mast, a legend of the Australian wine scene and pioneer of cool-climate Shiraz. It is thanks to Trevor’s foresight, that our vineyards showcase the ultimate expression of cool climate Shiraz, as is demonstrated in the 2020 Mast.
Fruit for this wine is solely hand-picked and sourced exclusively from a single block on our Mount Langi Ghiran Estate Vineyard, House Block 4. This block was planted by Trevor Mast himself some 26 years ago.
In the Vineyard
While across the board 2020 was a challenging year for the industry, at Mount Langi we had some excellent, albeit small parcels, come off this premium block at the end of the season, showcasing the perfect balance of fruit maturity and flavour. Overcast conditions in the Grampians during ripening resulted in an extended hang time, especially for this east-facing block. While this resulted in smaller make sizes, quality, texture and the earthiness this block produces, were not compromised.
Utilising 70% whole berry and 30% whole bunch in small open top fermenters, the wine was plunged and pumped-over three times daily during fermentation, averaging two weeks on skins. Natural yeasts were used. Following primary ferment, the wine was pressed to tank to settle and transferred to barrel to complete malolactic fermentation. Our 2020 Mast saw 18 months ageing in French barriques, 40% new.
Mount Langi Ghiran winemakers Adam Louder and Elizabeth Ladhams.
The 2020 vintage is the fourth year the Mast Shiraz has been made by Chief Winemaker, Adam Louder, and is a wine to which Adam will always have a strong personal connection, having been mentored by the man himself in his early years at Mount Langi Ghiran.
This special wine has already received critic recognition, with a 93 point score in the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, 2023.
This is a substantial wine, warm with alcohol, soft in texture and yet inherently complex. – Campbell Mattinson | 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, 2023
