Summer 2005
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our very first Christmas newsletter.
How time flies, barely had time to put the 2005 reds to barrel and its almost time for another vintage. So far the vines are looking fantastic, and we have had great soaking rain during the winter. The warm and wet Spring has resulted in a lovely even budburst and the vineyards all look good and healthy.
Some of you missed out on our first Sparkling Shiraz. This is our second disgorgement and we have only 1,119 bottles available. Those of you who order first may receive wine in time for Christmas, however because this is a busy time this can not be guaranteed.
This is also an opportunity to be the first of our customers to try our new wine, Butchers Block white is a blend of Marsanne and Viognier and it exhibits all the fine characteristics of these noble grape varieties.
Cheers,
Peter & Christie Schulz
Current Releases
2004 Butchers Block White Marsanne, Viognier
This blend of Marsanne (80%) and Viognier (20%) offers a complex nose of ripe apricots, citrus peel with lifted aromas of orange blossom and acacia flowers with roasted nut and toasted barrel nuances. Flavours of ripe white stone fruits, citrus and grapefruit are enhanced from partial barrel fermentation in new French oak hogsheads.
89 points “A light gold colour is accompanied by lovely aromas of buttered citrus, white currants, earth, and tropical fruit…Should drink well 1-2 years” Robert J Parker
2005 RoséGrenache75&template=wine_details" > Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto
The 2005 Rosé is blend ofGrenache75&template=wine_details" > Grenache (52%), Shiraz (26%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%), Dolcetto (6%). Each of these varieties adds its own character to make this our most complex Rosé yet. The colour is rose petal pink with a panoply of red fruit flavours such as raspberries, cherries and leafy red and black currants, fresh acidity and an ever so slight 'spritz' on the palate from naturally retained CO2.
89 points “One of Australia’s finest Rosés, a deep, bold offering from a blend. Its light to medium ruby colour is accompanied by a big bouquet of sweet strawberries, cherry jam, a hint of currants. Medium-bodied, with enough acidity to balance moderate quantities of residual sugar.” Robert J Parker
2004Grenache75&template=wine_details" > Grenache
This red is made from 90 year oldGrenache75&template=wine_details" > Grenache vines grown on the Turkey Flat Vineyard. These old vines produce fantastically concentrated fruit which translates into a style ofGrenache75&template=wine_details" > Grenache for which Turkey Flat has become famous. The 2004Grenache75&template=wine_details" > Grenache displays aromas of dark cherry, plum and spice. The palate is full with cherry chocolate and plum flavours, overlain with warmth and peppery spices.
2003 Butchers Block Red Mourvedre, Shiraz,Grenache75&template=wine_details" > Grenache
A warm, earthy, full-bodied red with seamless oak integration. The nose is spicy and complex with aromas of leafy raspberry, cherry, and sandalwood with hints of cocoa, sage, leather and white pepper. The palate displays flavours of black cherries, spice, red currants and pepper with an appealing soft tannin finish.
90 points “The dense purple-tinged 2003 Butchers Block boasts a big, sweet nose of blueberries, flowers, and earth. Structured, linear, and tight knit with background notions of fresh mushrooms and tree bark, this is a big, surprisingly voluptuous effort (for a Mourvedre-based wine).”
Robert J Parker
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2003 displays classic Cabernet aromatics of red and black currants, blueberries, cedar, spice and subtle tobacco notes. Whilst full bodied and intense, this wine has a even fine structure, and complex fruit flavours of ripe red and black berry fruits, are under lain by subtle oak and grape tannins. ( Maximum 6 bottles per customer)
90 points ”…boasts a deep ruby/purple colour as well as plenty of smoky blackcurrant characteristics….silky tannin, a notion of background oak, and loads of fruit, earth, and character suggests it will drink well 5-8 years.” Robert J Parker
NV Sparkling Shiraz Second disgorgement
A few of our finest barrels of Shiraz are selected and matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for up to three years before being tiraged in the traditional Champagne method. Very dark ruby red, subtle and complex aromas of plums, prune, cherry, blueberry pastries, panforte, dark chocolate and earth follow onto a full bodied and intensely flavoured palate. Rich yet fresh on the palate, very fine, soft tannins and lingering complex flavours. Cellar up to 10 years. (Maximum 6 bottles per customer)
2003 The Last Straw Marsanne
This is the second release of this sweet white wine made from 100% Marsanne grapes. The unfermented juice is transferred into French Oak barrels, where the wine will slowly ferment and mature until bottling. Sweet wines of this style are not only suited to traditional desserts; it will drink well with full flavoured savoury dishes such as blue cheese, foie gras or sardines. (Maximum 4 bottles per customer)