We started out as sceptics, but over the years (although we don’t claim to understand it), we have come to the conclusion that there really is something to “the whole Biodynamic thing” in wine. In the main, “biodynamic” as a concept is applied to vineyard configuration, planting and grape-growing. But the wizards over at Carlei have also been studying biodynamic impacts of picking times/dates on the flavour and drinking quality of wines.
Enter Carlei’s 2020 Root Day and Fruit Day Shirazes. As we understand it, the winemaking in these two bottles was near identical, as was the source vineyard – the only difference being a ~24 hour gap between when the Root Day fruit was picked and that of the Fruit Day – spanning a turning point on the biodynamic calendar. To our surprise, there are subtle but clearly identifiable differences between these wines. More surprising, the Root Day (picked 24 hours earlier) is the more apparently powerful of the two wines (though both are masterclasses in elegance to be sure). We encourage you to give these a go. Beautiful wines, a fun exercise, and a learning point in your biodynamic explorations …
* Carlei Esate 2020 Nord Vineyard Root Day Shiraz – Stewed black plum nose with a mild waft of leather. On the palate, incredibly smooth – literally seamless. Medium dense flavours of blackberry and plum with a kiss of vanilla front palate give way to a slight savoury lift on the finish. Rich, polished & round. A beautifully rich wines of subtle complexity that is worthy of deep consideration.
* Carlei Estate 2020 Nord Vineyard Fruit Day Shiraz – Slightly more lifted on the nose and a touch lighter/softer in body and palate. The subtler expression of plum and blackberry flavours merge into black raspberry velvet in this wine. The more delicate flavours also allow a gentle acid tingle to emerge, further lifting the wine. Overall, a delicate delight and a surprising contrast!
Carlei Estate Root Day Shiraz
