Cape Barren Old Vine Shiraz 2011
| Country: | Australia |
| Regions: | South Eastern Australia McLaren Vale |
| Grape Type: | Shiraz |
| Winery: | Cape Barren Estate |
Rubus Old Vine Shiraz Barossa Valley is a blend of 98% Shiraz & 2% Viognier, this richly concentrated Barossa Shiraz is indicative of the style for which Australia's top production region is famous. The wine is dark in color, rich and dense. There are ample tannins balanced by the powerful fruit. You will note the hints of blackberries, mint, and eucalyptus flavors upfront and in the finish. Try Rubus Barossa Shiraz with rich dishes like lamb shank, Osso bucco, beef steak or roast duck.
Review:
"Blackberry, currant and blueberry flavors are dense, intense and powerful, mingling with black licorice, sage and spice notes, with a brambly undertone. A spicy hint lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,200 cases made. - MaryAnn Worobiec"
- Wine Spectator (November 15th 2018), 90 pts
If you ever find yourself in the heart of the Swartland, you're likely to see a familiar face. Boet Le Roux, farmer extraordinaire, is our own living legend. Tirelessly he battles the fierce South African sun to deliver only the finest the Swartland has to offer.
With crisp citrus fruit and a zesty, refreshing finish, Boet Le Roux's Old Vine Colombard has a lively larger-than-life character that's refreshingly good company all year round.
Color: Vibrant and deep; vivid crimson-purple
Aroma: Pungent mix of ripe black fruits, spice, licorice and anise enhanced by superbly integrated French oak nuances.
Palate: Full bodied and silky smooth, the highlights are lifted black currant and licorice, combined with mocha and swirls of five-spice characters. The elegant yet rich flavours are persistent, balanced with harmonious French oak and supple tannins leading to a lasting luscious finish.
Fermentation of each parcel of fruit occurred separately in upright static fermenters at around 25-27°C, and remained on skins for about 10 days. The wines were pumped over skins twice per day, and pressed at around 2 degrees Baume. One-third of each wine was added to new French oak hogsheads to complete fermentation, and the balance was added to older oak when dry. The wines were finally blended a month prior to bottling.
Vine Age: 85 (60%) -120 years (40%)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Residual Sugar: 0.8g/L
Total Acidity: 6.9g/L
pH: 3.45
Reviews:
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2011 Old Vine Shiraz Reserve Release is intensely scented of spiced blackberries, black cherry tart and mulberries with underlying Chinese five spice, incense, Szechuan pepper and star anise hints. Full-bodied and loaded with muscular, blackberry and exotic spice flavors, it displays a good backbone of medium to firm, rounded tannins and lively acid before finishing long and layered. Approachable now, it should drink to 2024+. -Robert Parker 93+ Points
Cape Barren Estate:
Cape Barren was founded in 1999 by Peter Matthews, who worked tirelessly to create wines of distinction from some of the oldest vineyards in McLaren Vale. Peter sold the business in late 2009 to Rob Dundon and Tom Adams, who together have amassed in excess of 50 years experience in winemaking, viticulture and international sales.
Rob Dundon, Winemaker, has been making wine for almost 35 years, including vintages in Germany. He was originally Senior Red Winemaker for Thomas Hardy Wines based in McLaren Vale, then created his own company Beresford Wines, which ultimately included a second brand Step Rd. Rob's wines over the years have won almost 2,000 medals and 200 trophies at Wine Shows. He spent many years as the International Sales Manager for Step Rd, so knows the intricacies involved in establishing export markets.
Tom Adams, Viticulturist, experience in the Wine Industry spans 26 years. His background and training is in viticulture, and he managed one of the most iconic and respected vineyards in Australia, the famous Metala Vineyards of around 800 acres. He developed the Brothers in Arms portfolio and established this as a well respected and formidable wine brand across the world. His ability to set up export markets and promote the wines, is highly regarded in the Industry. In 2003 he won the prestigious Australian Wine and Brandy Export Wine of the Year award. Tom pioneered significant water conservation techniques, which have gone on to be adopted by several Government departments across Australia.
Cape Barren Geese: Towards the end of each summer, we are greeted in our vineyards by the arrival of magnificent Cape Barren Geese. These are amongst the rarest of the world's geese, and are native to Australia. The birds are named after Cape Barren Island where the birds were first sighted centuries ago. Our friendly colony lives on Kangaroo Island to the south of McLaren Vale, and they fly into our vineyards searching for grain and grape seeds after harvest.
Cape Barren Vineyards:
Cape Barren wines are produced from vineyards particularly hand selected for their exceptional quality and consistency. Our reds are produced from the world renowned McLaren Vale region, from vines older than45 years.
These seriously old vines produce wines of supreme concentration and complexity not seen in younger vines. It is this history on which our future lies.
With its picturesque and undulating terrain, and maritime climate, McLaren Vale is one of the finest regions in the world for grape-growing — especially for Shiraz and Grenache. The long warm summers are cooled by afternoon sea breezes, resulting in very mild nights, and controlled ripening and flavor development. The whites are sourced from Adelaide Hills vineyards grown above 400m from sea level.
Here the temperatures drop dramatically, especially at night, and the soils can be demanding and unforgiving, leading to smaller, more intensely flavored fruit.
The region is a veritable maze of valleys and glens, with a criss-cross of slopes which offer every conceivable aspect and micro-climate variation. This not only makes the region both charming and strikingly beautiful — but also challenging.
TASTING NOTES:
A black cherry color with intense violet hues. Aromas are dominated by ripe red fruits, minerals and blue flowers. Fine, concentrated and exquisite on the palate, it is fleshy, fragrant, and full bodied.
Grape varietal: 100% Mencia
Average age of the vines: 45-55 years
Vineyard's altitude: 450-480 meters above sea level
Pre-fermentation maceration: 3-5 days at 4-6 degres celcius
Alcoholic fermentation: 6-10 days
Maceration: 4-10 days
Malolactic fermentation: 5-9 days
Ageing: 2 months in stainless steel tank and then 2 months in the bottle.
Review:
"A silky texture carries harmonious, if somewhat muted, flavors of red plum, tobacco, sage and mineral in this focused red. Light, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity give this balance. Should bloom in a year or two. Drink now through 2024. 1,500 cases made. – T.M."
- Wine Spectator (April 30th, 2018), 91 points
Philosophy
Our limited release wine is created from the fusion of two exceptional parcels of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This classic blend is matured in the finest oak crafting an intriguing unison that captures the essence of our vineyard and highlights its unique varietal expression.
Our Vineyards
“Our family vineyard is located in the picturesque and historic Padthaway valley, 300 km south of Adelaide. Our rich, fertile terra rosa soils, environmentally friendly viticulture, low yield and exceptional fruit is how we consistently produce outstanding wines. Small parcels of the highest quality fruit are selected from our family vineyard and handcrafted to create wines with amazing depth of flavour, style and balance…” David Bryson
Winemaking Notes
Made with the greatest dedication and care, select parcels were matured in new and seasoned French and American oak for up to 20 months prior to being selected for this blend. Individual barrels from our family estate that best demonstrate the intensity of our fruit, balanced by integrated oak were selected for the final blend, which was then bottled with minimal filtration.
Vintage Overview
It started out full bore with the usual warm February weather. All our grape varieties started to ripen at the same time making it one of our most compact vintages to date. Vine-balance was carefully monitored, resulting in fruit that demonstrate the vibrancy and fruit-derived characters that we strive for in our wines.
Tasting Notes
Deep inky purple in colour. Aromas of blackberry, mocha, mint and spices. Lush, ripe palate dominated by black fruits, cherry and chocolate. An expansive palate with black fruits and nicely balanced by oak.
Production Statistics:
Bottling Date: 13.12.2011
Sizes: 750ml
Region (GI): 100% Padthaway
Varietal composition: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5 alc/Vol
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
ALLERGENS: Minimal Sulphur Dioxide added.
Naturally clarified with egg white, traces may remain.
Review:
Bright ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of ripe mulberries and black berries, leather and clay, baked oak, and tellicherry peppers with an lively, dry full body and an interesting, short finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak. An excellent example. - 93 Points Gold Metal Exceptional Beverage Tasting Institue.
Maurice Protheau Mercurey Blanc Premier Cru Les Champs Martin is 100 percent Chardonnay.
The name "Les Champs Martin" comes from one of the previous owners, Mr. Martin, who was the owner of the land. In French "les champs" means the fields. Literally, the fields of Mr. Martin.
The wine has a beautiful brilliant colour (gold pale). The nose on this young wine is starting to open. A beautiful aromatic profile is already emerging. White flowers and notes of almond tree flowers are enhanced with vanilla bursts, slightly toasted. On the palate the wine has a nice minerality with a good acidity and finishing nicely on some fresh almond aromas. It also has some spicy notes which give to the wine a very good length. The wine is structured on the roundness and amplitude, with a richness and a vivacity which confers a beautiful harmony.
From the 1er Cru "Les Champs Martin", situated in the Northern part of the Mercurey village.
Average age of the vines is 16 years. It was planted in 2001.
The well riped grapes are hand picked in crates in the morning to keep the morning freshness, brought and pressed directly upon arrival at the winery. The must is then decanted in cold, statically, in thermo regulated stainless steel vats. On the following morning, the must is then brought down into the barrels by gravity. It will be intoned in different barrels for 10 to 11 months. It will be stirred during breeding to give it roundness and richness until the end of the malolactic fermentation
Young, as an aperitif or with some shellfishes.
Older, it will match perfectly with a toasted turbot or dishes with fish.
COMMENTS
Lifted aromas of spicy dark cherries with a hint of cedary oak. A medium to full bodied wine; the palate is a maze of spice, pepper and dark fruits, the finish is bright and refreshingly clean.
VINIFICATION NOTES
Picked during the cool of night. An intentional minimalistic approach to winemaking to ensure the vineyard character sings. Fermented with a small percentage of stalks and whole berries, in small open fermenters and hand worked twice daily. Warm fermentation is followed by maturation in French oak barrels for 12-16 months (depending on parcel). Minimal fining and filtration prior to bottling.
BLEND
Shiraz
CELLARING
Medium - Long term
Review:
'Mouthfilling shiraz with peppermint, boysenberry, clove and blackberry flavours rollicking from start to finish. Freshness of flavour is a key feature; it's juicy, lively and eager-to-please, but not at the expense of discipline. Winsome style.' JAMES HALLIDAY, WINE COMPANION 2016 93 Points
SILVER AT 2015 SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION
SILVER AT 2015 DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS
SILVER AT 2015 INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
This non vintage wine sparkles to the tune of a well balanced blend; predominantly 3 year old Shiraz aged in old French oak barrels allowing wonderful smooth integration of fruit and a rich weighty texture across the palate. This is blended with a touch of younger vintage Shiraz to bring ripe juicy varietal fruit characters to the finished wine.
Deep crimson color with brick red mousse and a fine bead. The aroma displays ripe plums, earthy notes and spice. Mouthfilling flavors of plums and prunes with hints of liquorice. Soft, creamy with a persistent cherry, chocolate and spice finish.
"Youthful spicy cherry and plum fruits on a juicy and not over-sweet palate; easily enjoyed. Diam."
- James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011, 87 pts
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What this vineyard captures, more so than any other Pinot Noir site that I have tasted, is both power and elegance. Bright and forceful Bing cherries and dark berries along with the slightest hue of roasted coffee bean on the nose. Immediate and broad textured tannins cover the palate as flavors of black raspberries, licorice and black tea leaves unravel. Oak-inspired overtones of crispy charred marshmellows and fall spice with balance acids elongate a finish that reverbs for hours.
What this vineyard captures, more so than any other Pinot Noir site that I have tasted, is both power and elegance. Bright and forceful Bing cherries and dark berries along with the slightest hue of roasted coffee bean on the nose. Immediate and broad textured tannins cover the palate as flavors of black raspberries, licorice and black tea leaves unravel. Oak-inspired overtones of crispy charred marshmellows and fall spice with balance acids elongate a finish that reverbs for hours.
The Soberanes Vineyard is the latest exciting joint venture between the Pisoni and Franscioni Families. The site features tightly spaced vines and is planted to 33 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah and sits on the Santa Lucia Highlands Bench adjacent to the Garys' Vineyard. The clonal material planted in the loamy, rocky soil is very diverse and features over a dozen of the most renowned heritage selections from California and Burgundy in pursuit of the finest wine quality.
Review:
The vineyard is famous for producing ripe, luscious Pinots stuffed with massive fruit. Many wineries have dipped into it over the years. Krutz’s rendition is dry, balanced and full-bodied, with relatively high alcohol framing raspberry, cherry, cola, red plum, exotic spice and sandalwood flavors. It should age well through 2020–2022.
- Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Washington State Cabernet.
Acclaimed Napa Valley vintner Randy Dunn has a reputation for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. He brings more than four decades of winemaking experience to the Columbia Valley to produce Feather, his only wine made outside of California.
Tasting Notes: Deep crimson colored with pure and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon character. Generous aromas and flavors of dark fruits, violets, coffee and toasted herbs combine with a textured mid-palate to deliver a big, yet focused, wine with polished tannins and persistent finish.
Winemaking: Grapes were hand-harvested at the peak of ripeness, then lightly crushed and fermented in small stainless steel tanks. Once fermentation was underway, the cap was pumped over aggressively to extract color and structure. As fermentation neared completion, pump overs were handled more gently to further extract color and flavors without imparting harsh tannins. The finished wine was aged 22 months in 90% new Vicard French oak barrels (Randy's cooper of choice at Dunn Vineyards as well).
Alcohol: 14.4%
pH: 3.86
TA: 0.58 grams / 100ml
