The Stray Mongrel GSZ
2021 Cellar Release
The addition of Zinfandel to the traditional blend of Grenache and Shiraz is unique to Hentley Farm... With each variety separately crushed, fermented and matured, the Stray Mongrel displays the level of aromatic and flavour complexity you would expect from a blend of such diverse varietals. It is the perfect companion to a variety of culinary delights.
(Due to volume scarcity, a 6 bottle limit applies)
Accolades
Trophy - Best Grenache Blend of Show – 2017 Barossa Wine Show
James Halliday Wine Companion – 95 points
Vineyard
C-Block: Very shallow red clay loam overlying shattered limestone | North-south oriented rows | Elevated eastern aspect
Upshot: Reduced natural vine vigour | Intense and vibrant flavour profile
Vintage
Pre-vintage
Rainfall: Dry winter/early spring | rain event early November
Temperature: Consistently warm from late spring to early summer
Upshot: Ideal ripening conditions | No disease pressure | Earlier expected harvest dates
Vintage
Rainfall: Rain event in late January
Temperature: Mild summer temperatures
Upshot: Vine relief | Slow sugar ripening | Increased flavour development | Delayed harvest | Exceptional seed and flavour ripeness balance
Winemaking
Fermentation: De-stemmed | Extended skin maceration of Shiraz and Grenache (45 days)
Oak: Old French – 70%, old American - 30% | Natural malolactic fermentation | 8 months maturation
Technical Analysis: Alcohol – 14.5% | pH – 3.54 | Acid – 6.2g/L | RS – <1 g/L
Noteworthy Dates
Harvested: 12th February – 4th April 2016 | Bottled: December 2016 | Re-Released: August 2021
Profile
Sensorial
Profile: Turkish delight | Raspberry | Pepper | Fennel flower
Texture: Soft and even tannins | Great fruit weight | Medium bodied
Animal/Vehicle/Musical
Animal – Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
Vehicle – Toyota Hilux
Musical – Snare Drum