If the straight Shiraz is a bit too strict, then this Shiraz Malbec is the one you turn to for a bit of a cuddle. Plum, flowers, chocolate, aniseed and cedar. It’s medium bodied, but opulent and fleshy, though don’t get the idea that it’s fat or heavy: it’s not. Tannin is fine and chocolaty, and feels almost playful, with a supple graininess, cool acidity, and a black olive and sage savoury finish. Just lovely. More to come mind you.
95 points, The Wine Front (August 2017)
The Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is located two hours north of Adelaide in the Mount Lofty ranges. The region was settled by John Horrocks who encouraged his servant James Green to plant the first vines in 1842. Climate in the Clare Valley is continental with hot summers, cold winters and low rainfall that necessitates supplementary irrigation. Soils in the valley are predominantly red brown loams over shale, permitting excellent drainage. Many of the best vineyards are located at higher elevations of 400-500m on sites that take advantage of the cool breezes that funnel up the corrugation of hills from the south. The Clare Valley is renowned for its zesty fruit-pure Rieslings particularly from the sub-regions of Polish Hill and Watervale. The region also produces intense age-worthy sturdy reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
