Bleasdale Vineyards Generations Malbec
This wine is dark purple with intense aromas of violets, blackberries, plums and clove spice. Drinking well now, but with the potential to be a long term cellaring prospect if desired. Lightly fined and racked before bottling without filtration, it is normal for some sediment to form. Decanting one hour before drinking is recommended. Bleasdale is not only one of the oldest wineries in the Langhorne Creek region, but one of the oldest in Australia. Frank Potts, who founded Bleasdale in 1850, has a fascinating history. Born with sea legs, he joined the British Royal Navy at 9 years old and served on Lord Nelsons famous ship HMS Victory. He sailed around the world before landing in South Australia in 1836. He planted the first vines in 1858 and sold fruit to Thomas Hardy. He then expanded the vineyards in the 1860s. He was an innovator and a pioneer who played his role in establishing Australias wine industry. The Potts family still own Bleasdale and descendants Michael and Ben Potts handle the winemaking duties, along with Paul Hotker. They make wines from fruit grown on their 61 hectares of vineyards from varietals like Verdelho, Shiraz and Malbec in sparkling, table and fortified styles. Each parcel of fruit is carefully selected to produce a range of wines that can be enjoyed immediately, or cellared for that special occasion.
Fat Bastard Malbec
Medium purple hue. Ripe blackberry & black cherry with hints of fresh tobacco. Upfront, it is all juicy and dark fruited - ripe plum, tangy blueberry with a touch of ribena sweetness - but to follow, a hint of smoky cured meatiness and fine chalky tannin serve to make the finish savoury yet muy refrescante. Fermented in open stainless steel vats on skins for 14 days. Gentle pressing off skins via airbag press. The brainchild of Guy Anderson and Thierry Boudinaud, Fat Bastard Wines came into being via an exclamation, "Now that is what you call a Fat Bastard!" The comment came in response to a barrel of experimental Chardonnay that Thierry had left on lees for an extended maturation. Both Guy and Thierry felt that the wines had to be shared with the world, and so Fat Bastard Wines was born. Now, the pair work with wineries and vineyards from all over the world, sourcing fruit and juice from a myriad different regions and countries. But one factor remains the same: they make unapologetically full-bodied wines, packed with flavour and vibrancy.
Alma Mora Malbec
Tahbilk Shiraz
Aromas of plums, spice and background peppery hints lead to a richly flavoured palate of blackberry, plum and anise fruits. Firm, supportive tannins will hold this release in good stead for further cellaring.
Red Claw Shiraz
The Red Claw is the complimenting range to the estate Yabby Lake wines that call the Mornington Peninsula home. This Shiraz though is sourced from the Cambrian rich soils of Heathcote, a region which has quickly become one of Australia's premier Shiraz growing areas. Dark berry and spice dominated, there are underlying notes of pepper and crushed herbs. Fermented in 100% French Oak, there is a subtlety to this Shiraz that lends itself to many cuisine matches.
Spinifex Papillon
Spinifex Papillon is a vibrant and luscious red from the Baross Valley that is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mataro. Made in the typical modern Australian mould, the Papillon is bright and aromatic with lifted cherry, red currant and spicy raspberry. A very perfumed wine with earthy flavours of beetroot and white pepper which lends itself to being a terrific food style wine with lovely acid structure and a medium weight.
Shadowfax Minnow Rose
Very pale salmon, some light red hues. Red fruits, raspberry, cranberry, a touch of liquorice, some light spice and earth. Pinot Noir is apparent on the front palate, with berries, fluffy talc and crystalline texture. The Grenache brings weight through the middle, a riot of red fruits and tarry spice. Mourvèdre fills the rear, with lovely fine extract framing the palate and adding length. A harmonious and very fine Minnow Rosé by Shadowfax: complex, dry and delicious.
Kalleske Moppa Shiraz
Another great success story of grape grower turned grower/winemaker. Troy Kalleske is the latest custodian of a family heritage that dates back to 1853 when the Kalleske family first planted vineyards in the Moppa sub-discrict of Greenock, in the north-west of the Barossa Valley. This Shiraz (with a touch of Viognier and Petit Verdot) is 100% biodynamic and has concentrated aromas of blueberry, cloves, violets and dried fig. The silken palate that follows has dark fruit and lifted notes of floral with a sublime length of flavour.
Paracombe Malbec
Rich and deep in colour this wine has a bountiful bouquet of violets and plums aromas with a palate packed full of flavour. Enjoy rich dark cherries, earthy notes and cinnamon spice.
Little Giant Little Batch Cabernet Malbec
From the western end of the Barossa famed for growing rich and structured wines. The combination of Malbec and Cabernet lends structure and body to the blend. Cabernet brings spice, cedar and dried herbs while the Malbec adds blue fruits and chalky tannins.