The Executioner is "The Judge" (winemaker George Shinas) answer to Penfolds Grange and the first vintage was also gone before we knew it. For the 2008 vintage, we hope the stock lasts a little longer despite George Shinas warning us it was the best he had ever made! Now must we see…
At Shinas Estate, a Shiraz called " The Guilty ", a Cabernet Sauvignon called " The Verdict ", and a Viognier called " The Innocent " are made. In early 2011, George thought it might be fun to make a slightly unconventional wine. He blended therefore the above three wines which led to "The Executioner". Yes, George is a judge and this is naturally where the inspiration for the names of the wines came about.
The Executioner is a blend of 55% Shiraz, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch (2%) Viognier. Viognier is a white grape, so what does it do in a red wine? It is actually something that is used a lot in France's northern Rhone region and now also by many "Aussie" wine producers.
The Executioner is saturated with beautiful ruby red color. In the nose there is softness and fullness, with a scent that develops into dark berries with mocha and chocolate. The taste is cherry, nice hint of spice, perfume, blackcurrant, vanilla, pipe tobacco and candied flowers.
A wine that is rich in everything, but not heavy. Fine structure in the fruit, which gives intensity without being too dense and jammy. All in all, George has done a fantastic job with The Executioner.
On the website, George writes that: The Executioner is "to die for." Try it for yourself, but you must hurry because "production is so small that it is a crime punishable by death." Cheers!
Age of the vines: 50 years
Barrel: 30 months in French barriques (25% new)
