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: Little Giant Shiraz is crafted from fruit sourced from select premium vineyards of both the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Picked in the cool of the morning to retain freshness, the fruit is de-stemming and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine then spent nine moths in used large format French and American oak barrels to build structure whilst softening the palate and develop flavour complexity without overt extraction of oak characters.

Vintage 2021: 2021 was an outstanding vintage for the Adelaide Hills and it came as a welcome relief after the appalling conditions of the previous year. A cool, wet spring helped with soil moisture followed by a warm November ensuring no damaging weather conditions. Cool and calm weather followed that meant even ripening and good acid retention. A mild end to summer and a cool Autumn saw fruit hanging with no disease or extreme heat posing a problem. Yields and quality were up across the board. 

Tasting Note: As with all Little Giant releases this presents a fresh, full flavoured Merlot that delivers a medium bodied palate that’s smooth and irresistible. Dark garnet in colour, it presents red fruit compote aromas with dried herb nuances. Enticing ripe berries on the palate with flavours of dark plum, cooking spices and some integrated French Oak. It’s Long on the finish with bags of intense flavour and finishes dry with clean acidity. Pair with barbecued lamb.