2023 Shy Susan Sangiovese
**New Shy Susan Wines and new vintages released with the next Shy Susan Wine Club annually in September (ONE 6 pack per year)!
“Shy Susan (Tetratheca gunnii) is a critically endangered Australian wildflower. Her survival depends completely on a little native bee, who alone is capable of pollination. Their fate is forever entwined”.
After working with Tasmanian fruit for nearly two decades Glenn James with his wife, Jo Marsh began crafting wines under their newly created Shy Susan label in 2015. The couple lived in Porepunkah in the Alpine Valleys region and Glenn commuted to Tasmania weekly for his role as Chief Winemaker at Winemaking Tasmania. When Jo fell pregnant in late 2019 Glenn made the decision to leave his role and work fulltime with Jo in the Alpine Valleys. Having many years to experience the quality of fruit the Alpine Valleys had to offer they decided to continue the Shy Susan brand with local fruit. Select small parcels of fruit are crafted to reflect variety, vineyard and the stylistic approach forged from Glenn’s skill and experience.
Production Notes
Crushed and destemmed to an open top fermenter, the ferment was inoculated with selected yeast and plunged twice a day. Pressed off when primary fermentation was complete to an old Puncheon. Allowed a further 20 months in barrel to integrate and mature.
Tasting Note
Deep ruby with concentrated black cherry, mulberry and plum, layered with thyme, black tea, pepper and spice. Vibrant acidity and chalky texture frame focused fruit and fine, dry tannins.
Optimal Drink Window – now until 2034
Technical details
Reviews
"First stop, a decanter. Second stop, a big glass. You're going to need it. Tight, restrained and serious, sangiovese is showing its complex side early, but only just. It is definitely waiting for its moment down the track – unless the drinker doesn't have the patience – in which highly focused black cherry and plum fruits, thyme, black pepper, anise, spice and chocolate all work in unison with its noteworthy and astringent, dry tannin base. Florals are suggested but mostly quiet. It's gathering pace, and it will be worth sticking around to find out how it flourishes." Awarded 93 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 20 August 2025