Majella (winery pictured) established by the energetic and hugely popular ‘Prof’ Brian Lynn is a relatively small producer bringing much-needed lustre to the Coonawarra name. The winery was built only in 1995, although a six-acre vineyard was planted to Shiraz in 1968. The first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in 1970. The vineyard expended during the next 30 years and now embraces over 160 acres of vines, most of it planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Some of the fruit is contract grown for Wynns Coonawarra Estate. The vines are generally grown on a single fruiting wire. The vines are all machine-pruned and harvested.
Majella’s first vintage was in 1991, the wine made at Brand’s Laira under the weather eye of Bruce Gregory. He has since joined the company as winemaker. In 1996 Majella produced an ultra-fine wine called ‘Malleea’, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘green field’. The wines are vinified in a combination of static, headed down static and rotary fermenters to maximise blending options. Towards dryness, the wines are all barrel fermented. The Malleea Cabernet Sauvignon (55%)-Shiraz (45%) is matured in 100% French oak, the Cabernet Sauvignon is matured in about 50% new and used French oak, and the Shiraz is matured in 80% new American oak, all for approximately 18 months.
The Majella wines are all extremely well made, drawing excellent reviews. This is Robert Parker’s favourite Coonawarra winery. His rave reviews have given it an international market. Majella has yet to make an impact on the secondary market, but a strong primary following suggests that this label has excellent potential. Its success is much needed.
Andrew Caillard MW
Langton’s
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