Winemaker Notes
Red fruits and black rise from the bowl of the glass, violets and vanilla too. Elements from each estate vineyard are clear; Cellar structure, Church generosity, and the elegant perfume of the Black Sheep Block. The interplay produced is focused, balanced, and intense. The wine undulating with tar, blackberry, rose, and dark chocolate. Underneath lies low notes of marzipan and cinnamon. Full bodied and moderately textured; all violets, velvet and leather.
You’ll need your barbecue nice and hot. Char Siu BBQ Pork, or Balsamic-Soy Mushrooms make for ideal pairings as well.
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.