Massena 'Eleventh Hour' Shiraz 2021
The Wine
“(100% Shiraz) Shiraz for The Eleventh Hour is sourced from vineyards located on the Barossa’s Western Ridge, including the Greenock, Stonewell and Marananga sub regions of the Barossa. The red clay belt running North to Greenock creates an ideal environment to grow shiraz, the compact soils provide fruit that is juicy, spicy and concentrated. Stonewell’s hard redbrown soils add another layer of complexity to the wine, with a darker fruit profile and Marananga’s more loam soil base adds a dense, traditional Barossa fruitcake profile. Destemming without crushing, we ferment each parcel with NO cultured yeast in separate batches for 10-14 days in open fermenters before basket pressing. Aged in seasoned oak hogsheads and barriques for 20 months, the wine was moved to tank in individual components for several months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.” Jaysen Collins, Winemaker
The 2021 shows aromas of fennel, black pepper, aniseed and lifted raspberry, roasted coffee and Indian spices. The opulent palate is full of black cherry, raspberry and dark chocolate with typical Barossa black fruits and a rich, supple mouthfeel. Fresh acidity ensures the wine looks bright and fresh if drinking now, without sacrificing the structural components required to reward drinkers for many years to come.
95 points Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 'Old-vine shiraz sourced from the Barossa's northwest corner, from a strong vintage for the region. Plush satsuma plum and blueberry fruits dredged with spice and flecked with citrus blossom top notes that slide effortlessly across the palate. There is a pleasing velvety flow and energy to this wine as it moves in the mouth; fine, pumice-stone tannins providing ample support and a finish that lingers with pure berry fruits and spice. Nice one. Drink by 2035.'
The Details
Variety - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - South Australia
Sub Region - Barossa Valley
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2021
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
The passion for Barossa's historic vines inspired Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins to establish Massena wines in 2000. At that time, Dan was the head winemaker at Torbreck, while Jaysen served as the GM of Turkey Flat. Both hailing from Barossa, their joint venture stemmed from a shared aspiration to craft wines with distinct character, balance, and an embodiment of the joy found in winemaking.
Finding vineyards that resonated with their philosophy was an extensive endeavor, culminating in the inclusion of Stonegarden's caretaker, Glen Monaghan, into the Massena fold. Massena wines are exclusively made from fruit provided by committed growers in the rich red soils on the Barossa's North Western fringe. The traditional Barossa varietals of Shiraz, Grenache, and Mataro thrive in the subregions of Greenock, Stonewell, and Moppa, nurtured by ancient vineyards with dry-farmed, low-yielding vines that are up to 150 years old. The inclusion of the Stonegarden vineyard, established in 1858, offers a collection of remarkable sites that authentically represent provenance and terroir expression.
Given the exceptional quality of the fruit, minimal intervention is required in the winemaking process. There are no additives, fining, or filtration, and only a small amount of sulphur is utilized. The wines are crafted in a traditional manner, with whole bunch fermentation contributing to the savory complexity of both the whites and reds. Massena wines exemplify the contemporary, modern style of Barossa wines and are certainly worth discovering.
