Summary: The southern hairy-nose wombat is smaller than other wombats but is stocky, robust and the proud state emblem of South Australia. Like the might of the little wombat, Little Giant is crafted from premium regional South Australian fruit from established vineyards that deliver character and interest well above their size and weight. 

Hand-crafted and made with minimal additions and preservatives, these are wines made of the vineyard. The grapes are picked at optimal ripeness, minimally handled in the winery and fruit vibrancy is not hidden by non-essential artifact. Seeking first and foremost fruit expression, drinkability and to be a great accompaniment to food. Don’t let the size fool you, these are wines you’ll want to drink. 

Winemaking: Sourced from a highly valued vineyard on the Willunga foothills of McLaren Vale, facing north westerly.The vineyard grows highly prised fruit for many of the top McLaren Vale producers. Matured for 4 months in large oak 500 litre barrels the wine was then blended and bottled.

Vintage 2020: The season started with good winter rainfall, followed by a mild start to spring. November was extremely cool and some welcome rain helped canopy growth. An above average heat period in December ensured the end of shoot growth in the vines and they directed all of their energy into berry development. January saw above average rainfall and below average temperatures. This allowed grape vines to gently ease themselves into veraison before some well needed rain in February. The final ripening period saw cool nights which helped fruit retain acidity. Strong quality overall but yields were down as expected.

Tasting Note: McLaren Vale Shiraz is always very generous, with plenty of perfumed blue fruit, some licorice and spice as well as a fleshy mid-palate. Due to this rounded, plump mid-palate, Shiraz blends very well with Mataro which is all about the back of the palate. Mataro brings, spice, complexity, texture and strength to the finish. The combination of Shiraz and Mataro in this blend from McLaren Vale works well, with each providing elements to make a complete and seamless wine.