Vintage: 2004
Regional Appellation: Swan District
Grape Variety: Carnelian 100%
Oak Maturation: 100% Stainless steel vinification
Alcohol: 14%
Release Date: November 2005
Cellaring Potential: Drink now or cellar for 2-4 Years

FRUIT
Grown in the sandy loam on the mid levels of the valley, this fruit was picked from low cropping vines, these developed intense rich fruit and fine grain tannins.

WINEMAKING
Once crushed the must was subjected to Cold Maceration for 5 days at 14 degrees. The juice was then allowed to warm to 25 degrees for a further six days, which generated spice characteristics. The juice was then left to finish alcoholic and malolactic fermentation.

ASSESSMENT
Color:Deep bruised purple plum
Nose:Aniseed licorice with red cherry and plums
Palate: Black cherries with soft warming tannins
Recommended Cuisine:Antipasto, Risotto, Poultry, Game meats and Goats cheese

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WINDSHAKER Carnelian
A special wine with an unusual name.

Carnelian is a black grape variety developed in California by Dr H.P. Olmo. It was intended to be a hot climate cabernet and came from a crossing of Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon which was then crossed with Grenache.

Some years ago while visiting a friends vineyard and tasting a wine referred to as “Sangiovese” Rob Moltoni (the owner of WindshakeR Ridge) was so impressed that he planted some on his own property. In the year that followed, while enjoying some wine with a fellow grower who had also planted the same vines, a debate regarding the origins and authenticity of the so called Sangiovese developed , and so it was decided to have the vines DNA tested. The results showed that the vines in question were not “Sangiovese” at all but a little known variety called “Carnelian”. Determined that if the wine tasted so good others would enjoy it whatever it was called, Moltoni ploughed on and as a result we now enjoy a delicious red wine with plenty of fruit and soft grain tannins that can be enjoyed immediately on opening the bottle. Over the last few years WindshakeR's Carnelian has enjoyed good press and several awards from well respected wine shows including:

Silver – Perth Royal Wine Show 2005(2004 Vintage)
Bronze – Swan Valley Wine Growers Wine Show 2005(2004 Vintage)
Bronze – Qantas Mt Barker Wine Show 2005(2004 Vintage)
**** Best Buy Recommendation – Winestate Magazine 2005(2003 Vintage)
86 points Recommendation – Wine Enthusiast Magazine 2005(2003 Vintage)
Recommendation – Halina Young, - Perth Woman Magazine 2005(2003 Vintage)

Next time you want a red wine that breaks from the normal yet has broad appeal , and a story to tell, ask for a WindshakeR Carnelian. Cheers!