Summer 2006
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our second Christmas newsletter. This is a recent article by the well known wine journalist, Max Allen The Weekend Australian Magazine August 2006 “I was asked to contribute to a UK wine magazine poll the other day and nominate my ‘favourite Aussie wine producer of the moment’. What a question!! Like choosing your favourite child…I have so many favourite wineries, but one of the strongest is Turkey Flat in the Barossa.
For a start, there is not a dud wine in the whole line-up, from the super-refreshing 2006 Rose to the super-rich Pedro Ximénez. I also love the fact that owners Pete and Christie Schulz – and new winemaker, Jules Campbell are constantly refining and experimenting with new wines and techniques here. It might be the tangy, textural blending of Marsanne and Viognier for the 2005 Butcher’s Block White, or the co-fermentation of a little Marsanne, and blending of a splash of Grenache and Mourvédre into Shiraz to add complexity.
Most Impressive of all, though, is how the wines just get better with each vintage. The Turkey Flat team recently opened six vintages of the Shiraz including the first, the 1990 – over dinner at the Schulz’s house. The 2004 is by far the best of the lot; gorgeously plush and rich, but with the trademark Turkey Flat earthy, savoury edge (a flavour sucked from the soil by the Schulz’s ancient vines) that will mature into an almost Italianate, forest-floor deliciousness over the next 10 years.” Max Allen We hope you enjoy our wines as much as Max obviously does, and wish you a season filled with happiness and laughter.
Cheers,
Peter & Christie Schulz
SIZZLING SUMMER WINES!!
2005 Butchers Block White
50% Marsanne 50% Viognier
Estate grown on our Stonewell vineyards this blend offers a complex nose of lime, fresh apricots, candied pineapple and citrus peel with lifted aromas of orange blossom and acacia flowers .
Flavours of ripe white stone fruits, citrus and grapefruit are enhanced from partial barrel fermentation in new French oak hogsheads.
2006 Rose
We are dedicated to making Rosé and ensuring continuity of style. Our Rosé is still drier than most and displays complexity and balance difficult to find.
A dramatic rose petal pink with a full-bodied, dry, fresh, flamboyant rose made from a combination of Grenache, Shiraz , Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolcetto. It boasts a knock out bouquet of strawberries, and cherries, terrific fruit. Crisp, fresh and vibrant as always.
90 points - “Excellent” Robert J Parker
2004 The Last Straw
100% Marsanne
Inspired by the vin de paille of France’s Rhône Valley, this wine is made from Marsanne grapes which we spread out on drying trays for six weeks before gently pressing and fermenting in small oak barrels. While complex and initially sweet, this mouth filling, rich wine is balanced with a delicate acidity which allows a dry finish. Sweet wines of this style are not only suited to traditional desserts; served as an aperitif it is delicious with savoury dishes such as blue cheese, sardines or terrine.
RED HOT!!
2005 Grenache
We make this wine from 90 year old Grenache vines grown on the Turkey Flat Vineyard. These old vines produce fantastically concentrated fruit which translates into a style of Grenache for which Turkey Flat has become famous. The 2005 Grenache displays aromas of dark cherry, stewed plum and spice. The palate is full with cherry chocolate and cassis flavours, overlain with warmth and peppery spices.
2005 Butchers Block Red
41%Shiraz, 40%Grenache,19%Mourvédre
In 2005 our Stonewell and Bethany vineyards produced some exceptional parcels of fruit, both Shiraz and Mourvédre. To allow full expression of these varietals we made the decision to make the Butchers Block a Shiraz dominant wine which is generous and approachable at an earlier age. 2005 Butcher Block is rich with dark plum and violets and hints of cracked black pepper, cherry and juniper berry. The palate shows sweet lifted fruits, the tannin structure is persistent with a velvety finish.
Chrissy Cheers
NV Sparkling Shiraz
Third 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.
Indulge this christmas enjoy over lunch, or welcome the new year with a superb bottle of bubbles…delish!
EVENTS
HANDPICKED AT TURKEY FLAT
BAROSSA VINTAGE FESTIVAL
7th April - 15th April 2007
Discover why in the Barossa Vintage is a cause for celebration! Experience picking old vine Grenache as it has been done by the Schulz family for 4 generations.
Watch the fruit being crushed while chatting to our winemaker before joining the vintage crew for a traditional harvest lunch.
This is an experience not to be missed! All participants will receive a signed bottle of 2007 Turkey Flat Grenache prior to release.
Tuesday 10th April 2007 from 11am until 3pm.
Cost $60p/p
Bookings Essential,
Contact Jodhi Thoms
088563 2851
VARIETAL PASSIONS 2007
WANTED!!
BENI CARLO
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS GRAPE?
LAST SEEN DRESSED IN LEATHER
ALIAS MONASTRELL, MATARO & MOURVÉDRE
ENCOUNTERS WITH UNBLENDED
AUSTRALIAN MOURVÉDRE ARE RARE.
AN INSIGHT INTO THE BEHAVIOUR OF MOURVÉDRE
We invite you to join us in cellar door
FRIDAY April 13th
11:30AM – 4:30 PM