Description
Seven Sleepers, or Siebenschlaffer, is named after an old Barossa German farmers’ lore, being that the weather that occurs on 27 June is likely to be prevalent for the next 7 weeks. The first wine destined for the Seven Sleepers range was a blend of 7 grape varieties from the 2004 vintage, thus cementing the name.
Vineyards: Fruit for Seven Sleepers ‘The Blend’ 2021 was sourced from the Kurtz Family Vineyard at Light Pass in the Barossa Valley and a small vineyard at Craneford Road in Eden Valley. The vines received minimal irrigation and were pruned for low yields to provide vine balance, optimum fruit quality, and intense varietal character.
Growing Season: Good rainfall in Winter and Spring of 2021 saw excellent soil moisture levels and ensured a good growing season leading into Vintage 2022. Some inclement weather conditions during the flowering period resulted in a variable fruit set so cropping levels were naturally reduced. Good rainfall in February resulted in an even ripening period, relatively stress-free ripening and overall, a good growing season.
Wine Analysis:
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.60
Acidity: 6.5 g/L
Colour: Bright purple-red with crimson hues.
Nose: A bright, lively, fruit-driven wine with dominant aromas of black currant and mint chocolate, with hints of dried herbs
Palate: Succulent blue and black fruits fill the palate, with a touch of oak that supports but doesn’t dominate, allowing the juicy savoury fruit to show its full potential. Fine, ripe tannins give length, with a finish that’s silky, yet gently structured, with delicious lingering flavour.
Peak Drinking: The rich combination of sweet, mouthfilling flavours is ideally suited to current consumption, however the wine will also reward careful short-term cellaring.
Food Match: Seven Sleepers ‘The Blend’ is a non-traditional red blend that offers the chance to match full-flavoured and spicy foods with fine Barossa red wine.
