Winemaker Notes
Vibrant aromas of cherry fruit, star anise hints of violet and nutmeg all unfold to reveal an impressive array of underlying fruit flavors. A polished, succulent dark fruits layer of plum, black olive, earth, licorice and Asian spice. These complex yet elegant flavors are all neatly interwoven with a perfect balance of acidity and supple, silky tannins.
The 2014 Steading will continue to develop with time in the cellar & shall provide those with patience, great enjoyment for many years to come.
Blend: 77% Grenache, 15% Mataro, 8% Shiraz
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
Plump and juicy, with wild blackberry and blueberry flavors that have plenty of spice and espresso accents. Tobacco and black chocolate flavors linger against a thick, velvety mouthful. Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz. Drink now through 2030.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 77% Grenache, 15% Mataro and 8% Shiraz, the 2014 The Steading has a pale to medium garnet color and gives relatively understated dried mulberry, preserved plums and Chinese five spice notes with hints of black pepper, earth and dried herbs. Full-bodied, with plenty of spicy expressiveness to match the dried berry and earthy flavors, it is rich and supple with a long pepper-laced finish.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.