Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
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Parker
Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
There are about 500 cases of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was aged in both American and French wood (one-half new). The Screaming Eagle of South Australia, it possesses great purity, layers of fruit, enormous volume and intensity, and at the same time, it is strikingly elegant and well-proportioned. This stunningly pure Cabernet tastes like pure creme de cassis intermixed with licorice and oak. It should drink well for 15-16 years, but who will be able to hold onto it that long?
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2003-
Parker
Robert
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Parker
Robert
Shirvington started in 1996 when the family purchased 16 hectares of prime land in Willunga (now known as White’s Valley), South Australia. Willunga is just south of McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula, an area internationally renowned for its red wines.
In the winter of 1996 work began on the development of the first vineyard, Redwind, where we planted Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (since replaced with Mataro) vines. Their aim was to grow grapes to produce super-premium, honest wines with full fruit flavour, and to build a strong and thriving Australian brand, respected as a leader in quality, consistency and value to the consumer.
They have since established vineyards in other parts of McLaren Vale, with additional Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache vines. Only the best Redwind Vineyard grapes are pressed for the wines, the excess fruit is sold to other quality winemakers.
Sustainable farming practices are used in their vineyards. Each vintage is closely monitored right through to the hand selection of the fruit before harvest. The quality of fruit is such that their first commercial release, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, was awarded Wine of the Year (The Bushing Trophy) at the prestigious McLaren Vale Wine Show. Subsequent vintages of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz have gone on to further accolades nationally and internationally.
While Australia is best known for big, supple and potent Shiraz, it is also a fine source of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab in fact is Australia’s second most planted red varietal, and it is both bottled on its own and often used in blends. It’s grown in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The latter is the home of Block 42 of the Penfolds Kalimna Vineyard, whose vines -- planted in 1886 -- are believed to be the oldest productive Cabernet vines in the world. Two of the most highly regarded sources of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, though, are Coonawarra on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, and Margaret River in Western Australia, near Perth.
Coonawarra, famous for its rich red soil called terra rossa, has held Cabernet vines since the 1890’s. Though it can get quite warm during the growing season, it’s not far from the cool waters of the Southern Ocean, which tempers the climate and promotes balance in the grapes and resulting wines. These Cabs tend to be complex indeed, showing trademark dark fruit and firm tannins, along with notes of cigar box, cedar and – very often – mint and/or eucalyptus. Some producers to look for are Jim Barry, Yalumba, Berton Vineyards and Penley Estate.
Margaret River, on the other hand, stepped into wine production only in the 1960’s. It is situated on the lower western tip of the country, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. This coastal location creates an even more temperate, maritime-influenced climate that resembles that of Bordeaux. In good years these Australian Cabs show amazing balance between ripeness, tannins and acidity, along with lovely texture. Producers of note include Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Howard Park.