Langton’s Selections ^3Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz, Fox Creek JSM Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon In 1984 Jim and Helen Watts purchased their 100 acre Malpas Road property between McLaren Vale and Willunga. The land had previously been used for barley cropping and sheep grazing. A vineyard was established in 1985 and planted to Scott-Henry and vertical shoot position trellis systems. In 1995 the Fox Creek Wine Company, a partnership, was formed to process fruit from three vineyards including Malpas Road. Fox Creek enjoyed a fairy-tale start. A swag of great reviews, wine show trophies and high praise from Robert Parker Jr. for the 1996 and 1997 Reserve Shiraz and 1997 JSM Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon fast-tracked Fox Creek onto the international stage, bringing substantial interest from wine enthusiasts all over the world. By 1999, Fox Creek invested in a new barrel store and 1000 tonne winery. A wobbly period during the 2000s was a blessing in disguise. Fox Creek – a star of the cult wine scene – was increasingly beholden to insatiable demand from the US market. When everything seemed to go pear shaped, Fox Creek continued to make outstanding quality wine countervailing the forces of doubt. The remarkable Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz – rated Excellent in Langton’s Classification of Australian wine – is a “solid, strong and flavoursome” McLaren Vale style based on a philosophy of low cropping, low input viticulture and focused winemaking. The wine draws fruit from the Estate’s relatively youthful but increasingly impressive 8 acre Willows Block planted in 1989 and Short and Long Row Vineyards planted in 1993. Some old vine material from local growers is also used. The soils are mainly Bay of Biscay cracking clays which dry out in the summer but have excellent moisture holding capacity in winter. The wine is vinified in open fermenters with regular pumping over. Around 10-20% of the wine is barrel fermented in French oak to achieve more complexity. Early vintages comprised significant use of American oak. The philosophy of “preserving fruit without smothering with oak” and achieving “intensity and finesse” has lead to a longer maturation period of 16-19 months in an increasing percentage of new and used French oak. Fox Creek make very competent white and red wines for the commercial wine markets; the Chardonnay, Verdelho, Fox and Hounds Shiraz Cabernet and Duet Cabernet Merlot occasionally appear at auction. The Reserve Shiraz is regularly traded and enjoyed by collectors. The JSM Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon is a well regarded, medium term cellaring wine and represents great value. The Short Row Shiraz and Vixen Sparkling Shiraz Cabernet Franc also fall in this category. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's