"Marvelous McLarens" - Clarendon Hills, Redheads Studio and Ben Riggs
1 November 2007
In this weeks edition we take you to McLaren Vale featuring the exciting world down at Redheads in McLaren Vale, the legendary Clarendon Hills plus a few Ben Riggs products for good measure...
First up, is there anything Justin Lane and his band of merry men can't do? We think not... The 'commune' that is Redheads (McLaren Vale) has been gathering press and attention like no other producer. There are a couple of reasons. The first is the quality of the wine, the second is the support and openness shown. The operation allows for experimentation due to its 1 & 2 tonne fermenters, plenty of parties; essentially a drop in zone to craft, sip and chat. So when Justin's not helping out small batch production, he makes his own wines. Enter Viottolo, Yard Dog, Whip Hand and a Barrel Monkey...
2005 Whip Hand Cabernet Sauvignon @ $36
What a stunning example of this noble varietal! Too often warm climate cab's get a little OTT however the restraint shown here is quite impressive. Velvety mulberries, mild cassis, firm tannins and then the oak. What superb oak usage. Stunning label aside, this cabernet is all class, with impeccable balance and is one of the finest SA cab's on the market right now.
2005 Viottolo 'Viale' Sangiovese Cabernet@ $35
This is a wine Justin is quite proud of and for good reason. Monsieur Lane doesn't mind experimenting with unusual blends and different cepage', and while the Viale isn't that different if you look at 'Super Tuscans' it is for SA. The freshness on this red is the standout feature. The berries & cherries positively leap out of the glass. Sweet, dusted fruit is complimented by some very, very fine tannins.
2004 'Yard Dog' @ $12
Beware of the menacing “yard dog”. The once loved family pet turned beast through neglect, and a great metaphor for the fortunes of the grape varieties making up this blend. This dog’s bark is much worse than its bite however, the wine being round and smooth with fresh berries and spice throughout. A bargain too.
Clarendon Hills fans take heed - the 2005 wines are without doubt some of the best we’ve seen! At a recent tasting, showcasing these new releases and looking at some back-vintage, it was clear something special was in the glass. The poise & structure is mind-blowing, the tannins so firm and commanding, the mid-palate weight so impressive. Roman added that very little was needed to do, “it’s just a great, natural vintage for us”. Great is an understatement for the new Clarendon’s. These will be phenomenal in a few years and will reward anyone looking at ‘investing’ in this label.
Worth every penny...
2005 Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah @ $395
“At the top of the pyramid is the 2005 Syrah Astralis Vineyard. It is sourced from a vineyard planted in 1920 and is one of the Syrah cuvees in which 100% new oak is utilized (along with Brookman, Hickinbotham, and Piggott Range). It delivers an ethereal bouquet of smoky oak, violets, espresso, black pepper, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Densely packed and tightly wound, all it needs is time. The wine is totally harmonious, impeccably balanced, and exceptionally long. When it fully unwinds, even my high rating will appear conservative. Its only competition comes from the likes of Guigal, Chapoutier, Chave, Krankl, and Ringland.”
99 Points Wine Advocate.
2005 Clarendon Hills Romas Grenache @ $99
“The 2005 Grenache Romas Vineyard delivers more complexity than the Onkaparinga, both aromatically and on the palate. An enticing perfume of damp earth, truffle, clove, black cherry, and blackberry is followed by a full-bodied, powerful, structured wine which will need a decade to reveal its full potential. Although it oozes with fruit and can be enjoyed now, it merits extended cellaring.”
95 Points Wine Advocate
2005 Clarendon Hills Brookman Merlot @ $69
“The Bordeaux varietals begin with the 2005 Merlot Brookman Vineyard. Sourced from a 65-year-old vineyard, it is opaque purple-colored with an expressive perfume of toasty oak, mulberry, blackberry, black raspberry, and chocolate. Layered, rich, and thick, it can be drunk now but will evolve for 5-7 years.”
93 Points Wine Advocate
Look at all the Clarendon Hills Wines available - HERE
Lastly we check out what Ben Riggs has been up to lately with our two favourite wines made by the McLaren Vale Master, and we must pass on our congratulations to Benjamin Riggs: 21 years of winemaking in the Vale. A few of us recently witnessed just what he’s been up to for the last 21 vintages, from the Wirra Wirra days, to his current work at Penny’s Hill & of the label in question – Mr Riggs.
2005 Penny's Hill Footprint Shiraz @ $49
At the top of the Penny's Hill "Foodchain" comes this little beauty. Ripe, extravagantly soft and laden with fruit, Footprint has wonderful richness and extraordinary length and flavour, representing the very best of McLaren Vale Shiraz.
2006 Mr Riggs Shiraz @ $43
The ’06 vintage is looking pretty good for some of these McLaren luminaries; bright, fresh - lifted fruit, slick oak treatment, excellent layers and weight that seems to cascade down the palate. Essentially a great value shiraz with some very smart winemaking.
Return to archive
