Kevin's comments:  Penny's Hill ultimate Shiraz, Highly rated by Robert Parker at 94 points. Only 500 cases were made and the footprint Shiraz is made from grapes grown in perfect conditions and soil.

PENNY’S HILL VINEYARD,
“FOOTPRINT” McLAREN VALE SHIRAZ

Established by Susie and Tony Parkinson in 1988, with the purchase of 32 hectares of grazing land on the foothills east of McLaren Vale, Penny’s Hill Vineyard was named after the hill at the base of which it is located.  The land was declared ideal for the cultivation of Shiraz and the first vines were planted in 1991.  Additional vineyards have since been purchased near Wilunga in an area originally known as Bay of Biscay.

Penny’s Hill first appeared in packaged form when the “red dot” graced a small batch of 1995 Shiraz – only 141 cases were released in May 1997.  The red dot idea occurred as the result of looking at paintings in commercial art galleries.  It was apparent that works sold could be easily and immediately identified upon entering a gallery.  It was the visual power of the little red dot that is still very much a feature of Penny’s Hill.

Whilst McLaren Vale is noted for consistent climatic conditions, the slightly higher elevation of Penny’s Hill vineyard reduces temperature extremes in Summer making for a superior site-climate which in turn contributes to even ripening and higher fruit quality.

PENNY’S HILL “FOOTPRINT” McLAREN VALE SHIRAZ

Grapes:  100% Estate grown Shiraz grapes

Viticulture and
Winemaking: Attention to detail is key to the production of the Footprint Shiraz.  The rows selected for Footprint are picked separately from the rest of the block.  The grapes are nursed through the winery processes of crushing, fermentation and maturation.  Only the very best French and American oak is used in Footprint Shiraz.  Alcohol 15%

Serve: At room temperature with roast red meats and mature cheese.

Taste: An opaque black colour to the rim as well as a gorgeous bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, graphite and sweet vanillin… remarkably pure, full-bodied, and well balanced.