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.
Prepared with Tempranillo grapes (100%), this wine has a very bright, intense maraschino cherry colour that fades to a Cardinal red rim.
It has a very marked aroma with a good balance of fruit and wood, where tones of vanilla intermingle with well-ripened fruit, black berries and wild fruits. There are also noticeable hints of leather and liquorice, resulting from the mingling of the French oak and the aromas inherent in this variety of grape.
In the mouth, the wine has a smooth texture but fills the palate with balanced flavours, including fine tannins, which help extend the life of the wine. The finish and aftertaste are both long and elegant.
Vineyard:
Pago de los Capellanes, Pedrosa de Duero.
Variety composition:
100% Tempranillo.
Type of soil:
Clayey and chalky.
Aging:
12 months in barrel and remainder on rack.
Type of oak:
100% French oak, medium toast.
Serving:
Uncork and decant one hour before serving at a temperature of 16-18 ºC.
Selected harvest with yields limited to 5000 kg per hectare. The harvest begins in early October, starting with the most mature parcels. Once the grapes are brought into the winery, the tanks are seeded with indigenous yeast (start culture) and the alcoholic fermentation begins. During the barrelling period, which lasts 30 days, the wine is crushed and pumped over daily, all the while controlling the density, temperature and evolution of the yeast. At the end of this fermentation, the tanks are emptied and the wine taken for malolactic fermentation.
The malolactic fermentation begins without the addition of bacteria. The temperature is held steady at 20ºC for period of 22 days, during which we monitor the levels of malic and lactic acids. When the malic acid content is less than 0.1 grams per litre, the wine is decanted to separate the lees and is transferred directly to the barrels without undergoing any type of filtration, clarification or cold treatment.
The wine is aged for twelve months in new and semi-new French oak barrels (no more than three years old). At the end of this period, it is taken to the tank for homogenisation, where it undergoes light filtration through cartridges (open pore) and is then bottled.
Review:
Plush yet lively, this expressive red delivers bright cherry and cranberry flavors, with notes of blood orange, cola and licorice. Well-integrated tannins and citrusy acidity keep this focused through the juicy finish. Drink now through 2024. 39,000 cases made.
–Wine Spectator 91 PointsThe 2014 Crianza has much more moderate ripeness than the 2011, which was the previous vintage I tasted of this wine. In fact, I loved this 2014, that showed very good balance and a nice combination of power and elegance, ripeness and restraint, fruit and oak. It's 100% Tempranillo matured in 300-liter French barriques for one year. The palate was equally balanced, with elegant tannins and good freshness. 350,000 bottles produced. -Wine Advocate 92 Points
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
Grand Veneur Chateauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is made from 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah
Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%)
It boasts an inky/purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of crushed rocks, jammy black fruits, charcoal and graphite. Blackberry aroma with an air of dates pressed in alongside – this is sweet-noted. It is easy to appreciate, a sleek and stylish start. The palate holds excellent fruit that runs well and has kick. Its tannins move round freely and a minted finale comes forward. Its dark fruit is tasty, darkens on the finish, where tar and char from its oak enter. It is all very much together, a bundle of harmony, and will gain local attributes as it ages.
An outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape which display the best of its terroir.
The vines are 50 to 100+ year old. They are planted on red clay soils covered with pebble stones.
Harvest is destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%).
The vineyards are located in the north of Châteauneuf du Pape. GRAND VENEUR «Vieilles Vignes» cuvee is produced from the older vines. Thanks to time and an organic growing, roots go very deep in the soil. Yields are naturally low and grapes highly concentrated.
The vines are 50 to 100+ year old. They are planted on red clay soils covered with pebble stones.
Winemaking and aging
Harvest is destemmed and crushed. Fermentation temperature is controlled at 30°C. Vatting period of 18 to 20 days. Matured in concrete vats (40%) and oak casks (60%).
Pair with venisson, duck, braised lamb or strong cheese.
Review:
"The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vielle Vignes is sensational, with notes of blackberry jam, blueberries, crushed flowers, licorice, and graphite all soaring from the glass. Deep, rich, unctuous and still structured, with masses of tannin, it's a beast of a wine, yet stays impeccably balanced, pure and clean. It's going to need 4-5 years of cellaring."
- Jeb Dunnuck (October 2017), 97-99 pts
Paul Golitzin, Director of Winemaking, comments:
The 2014 growing season started with early heat and vine development. High heat throughout the summer and promoted vine stress, with final ripening occurring in late September and October under ideal conditions. The 2014 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is an absolutely amazing wine. Packed to the brim with floral aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry and plum fruit intertwine with nuances of cacao nib, anise, soy, forest floor and minerals. Incredibly pure and complex, this richly textured wine is totally seamless in all of its parts, allowing for its silky texture to shine through on the palate with a finish that last for minutes. Drink now – 2036. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Review:
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is another tour de force from this estate that's reminiscent of first growth Bordeaux from a vintage like 2009. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in new barrels, it offers incredible notes of blackcurrants, graphite, lead pencil shavings and crushed rocks in a full-bodied, decadent, insanely layered and seamless style. This beauty possesses ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges and a forward, already hard to resist style, yet it's going to keep for more than two decades. - Wine Advocate 100 Points
Morambro Creek Padthaway Shiraz is made from 100 percent Shiraz.
Deep inky black & purple in colour. The nose is perfumed with violet, blackberry, vanilla and spice with a touch of earth and liquorice over white pepper in the background. Expansive palate, smooth lush ripe back fruits nicely balanced oak, plenty of concentration with a long finish.
Winemaking at Morambro Creek is very traditional and labor intensive.
Oak maturation takes place using 35% new barrels both French and American. This blend was put together using select barrels from our family estate that best demonstrate the intensity of our fruit balanced by integrated oak.
excellent with barbecued pork, beef, venisson as well as grilled vegetables.
Alchohol is 14.5%
Review:
Opaque garnet black color. Fruity, peppery, funky, jammy aromas and flavors of black currants, planked oak, mulberries - gamy, and white peppercorns with a slightly chewy, lively, dryish full body and a peppery, complex, brisk finish with earthy, woody tannins and moderate oak. A rich, opulent shiraz. 91 Points , Gold Medal, Exceptional Beverage Tasting Institute
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.
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Sweet, savory aromas lead the way, sort of a mineral-laden black fruit---dark berries and plums. Smoke, dried herbs, violet, meat, wet stones and a hint of ironstone complete the package. It penetrates yet is a broad fragrant expression. I've always felt the aromatic range of this wine has its foundation in the four clones we use.
The black fruits continue on the palate, with black cherry, dark plum and spices echoing the aroma. While it's rich, almost luxurious, there's a tannic foundation and a structured acidity. Floral and earthy, the dried herbs and stones emerge here too, along with tobacco, thyme and lavender. This is a food-lover's Syrah, with weight, brightness and dimension.
(Clones 174, 383, 99 and Phelps) Vineyards: Ciel du Cheval Ranch at the End of the Road Classic Red Mountain character defines the Syrah La Côte Rousse, despite being the product of a cooler vintage. The warm site vineyards, Ciel du Cheval and Ranch at the End of the Road accumulated more heat than our other sites and ripened the four Syrah clones to a greater extent; we’ve never seen Red Mountain deliver less than full physiological maturity, every vintage. Nevertheless this vintage retains a vibrancy and energy that isn’t often found on Red Mountain.
Review:
The 2015 Syrah la Cote Rousse is a blockbuster Syrah from Red Mountain that’s from the Ranch at the End of The Road and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. It’s a mix of four different clones and is brought up in barrel. This deep, inky, seriously black Syrah gives up Hermitage-like notes of scorched earth, charred meats, graphite and licorice. It’s a big, concentrated effort that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep through 2035. Robert Parker 96 Points
This 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 the vineyard and highlights its unique varietal expression.
Vintage Overview
2012 was a very good season with predominantly mild, dry days. Yields were generally low and this did result in some excellent parcels of fruit being harvested. Vine-balance was carefully monitored, resulting in fruit that demonstrates the vibrancy and fruit-derived characters that the family strives for in its wines. By all accounts it was a textbook vintage.
Tasting Notes
Deep inky purple in color. 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.
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.
Pairs well with venison, ribeye steak, lam
