Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Compelling is the 1998 Shiraz Block 6 (924 cases, made from 106-year old vines cropped at 1.5-2 tons per acre). The wine is impressively thick-looking, has formidable concentration, gorgeously pure, peppery, creme de cassis notes, intermixed with new saddle leather, incense, smoky charcoal, and vanillin. Fabulously concentrated and unctuously textured, with a finish that remained on my palate for 60+ seconds, this large-scaled, classic Australian Shiraz from old, unirrigated, head-pruned vines should age effortlessly for 20-25 years. If you can find it and afford it, don't hesitate! Anticipated maturity: now-2025.
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.