Winemaker Notes
Throughout the years Footbolt is becoming the synonym of classic and consistent McLaren Vale Shiraz. Pour in your glass and you will see a crimson-purple color with a subtle ruby halo. A swirl in the glass and fragrant aromas of dark plum, blackberry fruits, boysenberries, subtle black pepper and a touch of licorice will come straight up. On the palate is where the wine becomes fascinating. Rich and opulent black fruits, plums, blackberries and boysenberries are intertwined with cured meat, mocha, peppery spices and a plush coat of red cherries. Tannins are ripe and velvety. Acidity, alcohol and oak balance are impeccable, the length ditto. Great drinking now but will cellar well too.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Plush chocolate, plums and blackberries—with some earthy, beet root tang and florals—is the opening act to this mouthfilling Shiraz. The plump, juicy fruit flavors are wound in powerful tannins that are slightly drying. Protein required.
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.