Witches, (HEXEN) came to the Barossa as part of the first wave of Silesian migrants in the mid 1800s.
They were valued for their knowledge of homeopathic medicinal cures and for creating potions, spells and curses.
One such Hexe, locally known as “Mutter Jaeckel” lived not far from the Gumpara vineyard and tales of her scary ghostlike existence have been handed down to the present generation.
This wine is hand crafted as a tribute to the first Barossa settlers and the mysterious HEXEN. It is a rich powerful Shiraz, combining fruit and fine tannins with an air of mystique.
PRODUCT
VINTAGE
APPELLATION
VARIETY
HARVEST DATE
BOTTLING DATE
ALCOHOL
TA
PH
Hexen Shiraz
2016
Barossa Valley
100% Shiraz
16th February 2016
19th August 2018
15.5%
6.4
3.42
VITICULTURE
From a special selected low yielding single vineyard, these own rooted Shiraz vines are grown in rich red clay, pink marble and ironstone on limestone base. Pruning techniques and trellis systems have been modified to spread the fruit zone evenly, providing greater balance to each vine.
VINIFICATION
Crushed and de-stemmed into open fermenters, with fermentation controlled at 25C. This developing wine is pumped over each day. Free run is removed from skins and the must is gently pressed via an airbag batch press. Only light pressings are used for this wine.
MATURATION
Partial barrel fermented in new French oak and matured for a further 30 months in new American oak and extended bottle age prior to release.
COMMENTS
The 2016 Barossa Vintage was a standout. Warm and dry spring conditions, allowed for good flowering and fruit set. A chance 30mm rain event in January, followed by mild conditions throughout February, gave rise to early flavour development. Phenology kept pace with sugar levels resulting in rich ripe tannins.
Colour – Almost black with magenta hue.
Bouquet – Bright intense rich Shiraz showing fine oak, supporting an integrated spices, chocolate notes and freshness.
Palate – The enticing palate displays a stunning marriage of selected oak and optimum fruit maturity. This long palate is boldly supported with rich dark fruits, flawless tannin, and clean finish.
CELLARING
If cellared correctly, this wine has the potential to age gracefully and has a life expectancy of 20 years and longer.
Previous Awards
Gumpara Wines Hexen Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015
Featured in Winestate MARCH APRIL 2021
