Wine Composition
100% Sangiovese
Winemakers Comments
Pale crimson pink in colour, with intense aromas of fresh raspberries, pomegranate and subtle hints of rose petal. The palate is juicy and fresh with cranberry and strawberry flavours. Subtle spice and crisp acidity provides a long dry finish.
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
12.5 %
TA
6.6 g/l
pH
3.11
Vintage
The 2017 vintage began with above average rainfall in winter and spring, which set the vines up very well. Bud burst was on time, but conditions were very cool for the first part of spring. The summer rains stopped in mid-January and it was very dry for the rest of the summer with only a few millimetres of rain meaning that disease pressure was low. The days were mild with a lot of cool nights which delayed ripening on all varieties. This longer hang-time resulted in excellent conditions for flavour and aroma development.
Winemaker
Name - Jeff Byrne
Winery
In 1835, Governor Macquarie directed 6 explorers to find routes to open up the Hunter Valley. One wild and windy night, as the explorers attempted to cross a flooded creek, their strongest horse - Cockfighter - drowned bravely trying to get his rider across the raging waters." When convict gangs were later sent to construct a bridge over what was now known as Cockfighter's Creek, they swore that on stormy nights you would see Cockfighter's Ghost galloping free across the countryside. The Legend was born. In addition to the Cockfighter's Ghost ranges, the multi-award winning Poole's Rock series of wines showcases the classic Hunter Valley varietals of Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Founded in 1988 by the late David Clarke AO, former Chairman of the Royal Sydney Wine Show and co-founder and Executive Chairman of Macquarie Bank, the Cockfighter's Ghost and Poole's Rock wine labels have become synonymous with passionate winemaking which exemplifies the best of regions and varieties. Today, under the ownership of the Agnew Wines Pty Ltd, Cockfighter's Ghost wines continue to be made from the best grapes, specifically selected from vineyards and regions throughout Australia, acknowledged as amongst the best for each variety. At the same time, they have introduced a renewed vigour in pursuing single vineyard perfection with the Poole's Rock range of wine.