NEW!!! Darlington
Point, Riverina, New
South Wales Australian Shiraz
The wine shows a deep crimson colour with purple undertones. The
up-front aromatics reflect the typical dark fruit notes of blackberry,
cherry, and plum, complimented by restrained black pepper which should
become more pronounced with age. In the background are subtle layers of
toast and vanilla from the oak. The aromas continue to the palate creating
a soft, rounded expression of the fruits, spice, and oak. Tannins are in
gentle harmony with the overall impression and create a well defined yet
delicate frame for the wine.The wine is surprisingly approachable even just
12 weeks after pitching the yeast, but will continue to develop for 2-3
years.
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NEW!! South African Shiraz.
Multiple Medal Winner* Our outstanding, award winning
2007 Limited Release is back as part of the regular Showcase Collection.
This Shiraz from South Africa’s Stellenbosch
region continues to gain international recognition for its distinctive new
style. It may best be described as having Rhône-style backbone but with
heady,New-World, up-front fruit. It is however more refined than many
Australian “fruit bombs.
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here for the brochure
CELLAR CRAFT
INTERNATIONAL
PRELIMINARY 2009 LIMITED
RELEASE INFORMATION
Oct 2, 2008
January Release South East
Australia
DOWNUNDER TRIO
CABERNET
SAUVIGNON / GRENACHE / SHIRAZ
The Australians have been groundbreakers at discovering
new wine blends that break from tradition but that do reflect the reality
that New World wineries have access to varieties that have not been
available to their Old World counterparts.
One of the more successful blend combinations in Australia has been the marrying of Cabernet,
Grenache and Shiraz
into an outstanding wine.
The resultant blends reflect the structure and vivacity
of Cabernet, the bright red fruit and lower tannin attributes of Grenache
as well as the spiciness of Shiraz.
In a broad generalization we could suggest that this is comparable to
Europe’s tradition of blending Cabernet, Merlot and Cab Franc but with Australia’s
more pronounced fruit aromas and flavours.
We like the combination and are pleased to be able to
offer it in our Limited Release program this year.
The blend is not new but Cellar Craft’s difference for
the wine hobbyist is fermentation on virgin, area and varietal specific
crushed grapes plus 2-stage oaking.
Like most Australian wines, this will show well when
young but can be expected to develop for at least a year. The fruit-forward
style makes the wine a great social choice as well as being a versatile
choice for meals around the barbie.
February Release QUARTET SYRAH (SHIRAZ)
Australia, South
Africa, Washington,
California
Syrah, originally associated with the great wines of
Southern France, has been planted far beyond its original home in the Rhone Valley. Today, it is huge in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz, thriving in California,
Washington and South Africa and gaining
respect in many other areas around the wine world.
Each new region can produce good to excellent examples
of Syrah but each, because of unique climatic, weather and soil factors as
well as vineyard practices develop distinctive traits that make them unique
to the source region.
We believe that this Limited Release
offering is a world first.
Never before have juices and crushed grapes from the
vineyards of 4 of the leading new Syrah producing areas been combined into
one wine.
The combined must in the kit allows each of the stocks
from Australia, South Africa, Washington
and California
to co-ferment thereby releasing traits of each region’s signature style but
also synergistically creates a wine that suggests its own exclusive
profile. A wine discovery that cannot be experienced anywhere else!
If you have enjoyed Syrah (or Shiraz) from one or more regions we think
that you must experience this world first. A similar sensory experience and
wine discovery may never again be available in your lifetime. A must
try to add to your discovery of Syrah!
March Release Yakima Washington
YAKIMA SYNERGY II
Marsanne,
Viognier, Roussanne
This release pays tribute to the traditional blends used
for white wines of Southern France.
It also is tribute to the success that the Yakima Valley
is having with these whites which had long been associated primarily with
the Rhone Valley.
Both Marsanne and Roussanne are still in short supply in
Washington
but we have been following their development and been very pleased with the
early wine trials. This year, for the first time, we have secured enough to
of both to offer you a limited supply for a sneak preview of these Rhone
mainstays as grown in Washington.
Marsanne has interesting body that almost suggests
waxiness. Melon and nutty notes lead the sensory impression while a
background of mineral adds depth and intriguingly different aromatics.
Viognier is all about fruit and spice. Aromatics of
peach, apricot, melon, guava and violets elevate the wine’s nose. Fruit and
spice flavours lift the palate.
Roussanne adds acid balance, introduces more nuttiness,
rose and honeysuckle notes.
The wine ferments and finishes dry but has a round and
full mouth-feel. You might consider this as an alternative to unoaked
Chardonnay.
Shows well after a couple of months but will develop
additional complexity with a year’s ageing.
April Release
(revised) Bierzo, Spain
OLD VINES MENCIA
The Region:
Bierzo (pronounce: Bee-ER-tho) is in northwest Spain near the border of Galicia and Castilla y
Leόn. It is a rugged area of steep hillsides with slate out-croppings.
Weather is moderated by the nearby Atlantic Ocean so is cooler and wetter
than most of Spain.
There are about 9,000 acres of small vineyards still
being worked today by about 4,200 growers. Most vines are over 30 years old
with many being 80-100 years old.
The Grape:
Mencia (pronounce: Men-THEE-ah). This red grape is the
region’s primary grape. Most believe that monks brought it to the area
centuries ago from Central Europe.
Until about 10 years ago, the wines were made following
hand-me-down tradition. They were very light and rustic with little appeal
to consumers outside the area. That changed when young, avant-garde
winemakers, trained in modern techniques, discovered the area’s old
vineyards and realized their potential. Soon new-style Mencia was released.
The resultant buzz started immediately and Mencia became Spain’s newest “Hot” wine.
Modern Mencia is sometimes likened to Cabernet Franc or
Rhone Syrah. Like us, more reviewers note the similarity to Burgundy’s bright,
cherry inflected Pinot Noirs. It is truly compelling and a great discovery!
Our Mencia:
Our vines average 50 years. Many have reached 100 years.
Their tiny yields mean very concentrated flavours.
The wine ferments on virgin, crushed, Mencia grapes from
the ancient vineyards.
Light toast Hungarian oak cubes, added
post-fermentation, contribute light toast and vanilla notes while letting
bright cherry, plum and rose hip elements dominate. Slate-like character
adds depth. Good acidity and tannins firm enough to give balance and a
solid structure.
Ageing:
Sneak a taste after at least 3 months then try to hold
the balance for a year or more.
Food Pairings:
Serve at 18o with roasted, cured or stewed meats,
turkey, pastas or mild cheeses. A delight on its own.
