Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackberry and blueberry with graphite aromas follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and a polished finish. Compact and fine-grained. Drink now. Screw cap.
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Wine & Spirits
The Osborn family has been growing grapes for more than 100 years, ever since John Osborn sold his collection of racehorses, including Footbolt, to buy their original vineyards. During the South Australia government-sponsored vine pull of the 1980s, d’Arry Osborn and his son, Chester, bought up a lot of old vineyards and continue to preserve them today. The Footbolt includes fruit from vines aged 20 to 100 years, traditionally fermented and blended into a supple, black-fruited wine of gentle power. Umami undertones of roasted meat and mushrooms warm the tannins, while the clean, rich fruit lasts. This will bring some sophistication to a cookout.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.