2008 MadFish Sideways shiraz tasting note

1. Technical Notes
Shiraz is one of the iconic varieties grown in the Margaret River region
2008 Sideways and we sourced the fruit for this wine from our own property and one
Shiraz grower in the northern Yallingup subdistrict. We look to produce a
shiraz with trademark sweet rich fruit that has a complexing savoury
edge to better handle drinking with food, especially meatier dishes.
The 2008 vintage is one of the great recent vintages and shiraz
Varieties
achieved full fruit and tannin ripeness. Shiraz from 2008 displays great
Shiraz colour, dark juicy plum fruit flavours and tannins are open knit and
chocolaty.
Region Traditional fermentation in a mix of open top and static vessels, hand
Margaret River plunging and pump overs up to four times daily and basket pressing
produces a shiraz with ample mouth-filling yet soft tannins to
complement the naturally sweet shiraz fruit. Maturation in French and
older American oak barriques for 15 months adds further complexity
and structure. All components are matured separately and assembled
just prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
The 2008 Sideways Shiraz is a great first release. The colour is an
outstanding vibrant and opaque purple red. The aromas are of dark ripe
plums, blueberries and steamed fruit pudding. The palate is rich and
layered with satiny plum fruit supported by chocolate tannins and
vanillan oak. There are also the regional hints of oyster shell and soy
sauce adding complexity and a savoury edge to the gravely tannins,
which finish long and are slightly chewy.
Cellaring
A great drink now and will develop complex aging characters of rich
earth and forest floor over the next 5 years.