Well known and renowned by American wine reviewers scoring 90 points on average! This wine is a must have and bursting with dark and rich fruits, the subtle spice really brings this wine together. Perfect with slow cooked lamb shanks, char-grilled steak or a mature cheese platter.
From The Winery
Utilising premium fruit from eminent wine regions in South Australia, The Black Chook struts affordable wines to be enjoyed and adored, shared and celebrated! Careful vineyard selection teamed with exceptional winemaking and an emphasis on consistent varietal expression hatches wines with approachability generosity and character that really are something to cluck about.
The Region The Black Chook Shiraz Viognier is sourced from the premium grape growing regions of McLaren Vale and Padthaway in South Australia. McLaren Vale has an unrivalled reputation in Australia and indeed the world, for growing Shiraz which is full flavoured, ripe and balanced. Situated approximately 40km to the south of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, McLaren Vale has a Mediterranean type climate, experiencing winter dominant rainfall and warm, dry summers that are tempered by the proximity of the Gulf St. Vincent and low humidity. The Padthaway wine region, since first vineyards were established in 1964, has a well established reputation for producing premium quality grapes across a wide range of varieties, including Shiraz. Chosen for its rich, diverse soils, underground water supply and Mediterranean climate, this region, located approximately 300km south east of Adelaide, produces elegant Shiraz with balance and finesse. Both regions have very consistent climates which produce some of the best Shiraz in the country and work together harmoniously in the final blend.
Winemaking The shiraz grapes are co-fermented with a small amount of viognier skins which adds a vibrant perfumed aroma and at the same time intensifies the deep rich colour and supple tannins.
The Wine The nose is vibrant and lifted with red cherry and plum fruit and hints of liquorice and vanilla spice. Generously loaded with dark fruits, the palate is balanced by fine, supple tannins and sweet spice. A soft, round shiraz with a satisfying fruit length.
Reviews
"A perennial favourite of various US-based critics, this is a blend of McLaren Vale and Padthaway, co-fermented with a small amount of viognier skins. Very good colour; the wine is very powerful and long. It may be that oak staves or similar have been used, for the price is a snap." 90 Points - James Halliday, The Wine Companion
"Sweet fruit and lots of it. Fairly simply but fairly satisfying. Blackberry jam, roasted nuts, toast. Mouth filling. Value is above average." 88 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
Don't Pay: $20.00
WBW Rating: 93/100
Closure: Screw Cap
Region: South Australia
Winemaker: Ben Riggs
Drink now until: 2019
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %