The Cuttings is produced from a small vineyard of just 0.8 hectare, established from cuttings taken from the original Poonawatta 1880 vines. Planted between 1978 and 1982, the vines share some characters of the 1880 vineyard, especially the thicker skins and fine tannins, while bunch size is smaller. While 100 years younger than the 1880 vineyard, yield is typically lower due to the lean rocky soil profile
Tasting Notes
Colour: Magnificent colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart and an equally deep black dark red hue. Nose: Ripe black cherry and liquorice scents soar out of the glass trailed by some blackberry, vanillin cedar, scorched earth and peppered dried meat notes. Palate: Rich, dense and plush the palate is engulfed with exceptionally concentrated black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruits which are underpinned by smoky vanillin cedar, earth, dried meats and blackpepper. Outstanding power and depth with ripe chewy tannins the pace holder to the lavish black fruits. Concludes very long, sturdy and lush. Drink over the next 5-6 years. Grape Varieties: 100% Shiraz Aging: Open-fermented, matured for 18 months in French barriques (25% new). Awards: 95pts – James Halliday
History of Poonawatta
The Poonawatta Shiraz vineyard, originally planted in 1880, was returned to the Poonawatta property in 1971 after it was separated as part of WW1 soldier repatriations in 1922. This old vineyard serves as the centerpiece, and it is a privilege to care for these precious old vines, which are the oldest in the area. With only about 900 original vines remaining, it is truly a valuable treasure.
In 1972, Riesling vineyard was added and from 1978 to 1982, a small Shiraz vineyard was established, row by row. The third Shiraz vineyard was planted in 2007 and a Grenache vineyard was planted in 2019, all these block are producing single vineyard estate wines.
Fruit from other Eden Valley growers are also purchased to produce regional series wines. Supporting local growers and creating special single-vineyard wines that they can take pride in is a way to extend the passion for the Eden Valley.
As a boutique producer of small volume, hand-crafted artisan wines, it draws on the history, heritage, and community to create wines that are authentic and reflect a sense of place. The focus is to achieve the best from every vintage with a passion for winemaking.
