McLaren Vale leads the line up in our Spring Shiraz collection. This full-flavoured foursome (three of each) will up your house wine game as the home chef takes to the garden and fires up the grills. After all, it's the season for it!
In this dozen, you’ll find three bottles each of the following Geoff Merrill Jacko's Blend McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 ‘What is certain is its staying power.’ 94 points, James Halliday Greenock Creek Marananga Barossa Valley Shiraz 2017 ‘It delivers lashings of flavour and the great value.’ Langton’s Haselgrove Wines Catkin McLaren Vale Shiraz 2018 ‘...hugely appealing.’ 96 points, Sam Kim Shingleback The Davey Estate McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017 ‘Elegant dark cherry and bramble aromatics.’ Decanter World Wine
The Geoff Merill Jacko’s Blend is a standout here for its added bottle age (though there’s still ten years left in it), yet the fruit is still vibrant and youthful. And that’s where this collection aligns, vibrant and youthful fruit. It’s why we love Shiraz from McLaren Vale and Barossa. It’s all here, look no further.
Matured in new and used American and French hogsheads for 29 months. The oak plays a major role in shaping the aromas and flavours of this old style, full-bodied shiraz. What is certain is its staying power.
94 points, Wine Companion (January 2020)
It is gorgeously fruited and aromatic on the nose showing blackberry, dark plum, vanilla and cedary oak characters with nuances of toasted spices. The palate delivers lovely concentration and weight, together with supple mouthfeel and fleshy texture. It is up front and flavoursome, loaded with delicious flavours. At its best: now to 2028.
94 Points, Wine Orbit (June 2019)
China Wine & Spirit Awards 2019
Gold Medal
It’s instantly appealing on the nose showing blackberry, Black Doris plum, vanillin oak, floral and fragrant spice aromas, followed by a concentrated palate that’s mouthfilling and silky. The wine delivers lavish mouthfeel and velvety tannins, making it hugely appealing. At its best: 2022 to 2038.
96 Points, Wine Orbit (December 2019)
Elegant dark cherry and bramble aromatics. Rich palate, with nicely interwoven slightly grippy tannins, sweet plum fruit, fresh balancing acidity and spice. Tapers nicely to a lengthy finish, with background dried fruit notes, plus a polished texture.
97 points + Platinum Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2019
McLaren Vale Wine Show 2018
95 points + Gold Medal
New Zealand International Wine Show 2018
Gold Medal
China Wine & Spirit Awards 2019
Gold Medal
South Australia is the driest state on the world’s driest continent. Covering almost 1 million (984 377km) square kilomteres, it represents 12.8% of the Australian land mass. Sweeping plains are intersected by a spine of relatively low lying ranges, the Mount Lofty/Flinders Ranges which extend through the heart of the State. Over 50% of the state is elevated at under 150 metres. The Great Artesian basin covers almost one-third of the State. The major river is the River Murray which lethargically makes its way into the Southern Ocean. This water mass has a moderating effect on climate, particularly in the southern regions of South Australia where most vines are planted.
Summers are generally hot and dry with relatively mild nights. Winters are cool. Rainfall occurs mostly during late autumn/winter (May, June, July, August). Drought and salinity are major concerns.
The principle wine regions in South Australia are; the Adelaide Hills, Barossa (comprising the Barossa and Eden Valleys), Clare Valley, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Coonawarra and the Riverland. Vineyard expansion has also extended to Wrattonbully, Mount Benson, Bordertown, Robe, Southern Fleurieu and the Flinders Ranges.
It is a tradition for many wine companies to make multi-district blends from South Australian fruit – the idea of house style taking precedence over regional definition. Penfolds pioneered this concept. The vagaries of vintage variation can be evened out by fruit selection, ensuring quality at a high level. However there is debate that this concept comes at the expense of the ‘soul’ of the wine. Penfolds Grange is probably the most famous multi-district blend and is an excellent counter-argument.
Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's