Archive for the 'Shiraz' Category

16
Feb
12

James Halliday scores Pfeiffer reds 95, 95 and 94

By karwigwines Leave a Comment
Categories: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Victoria, Wine Notes and Wines

“Chris Pfeiffer’s daughter Jen was four years old when she accompanied her parents to an auction for a then-vacant building in Waghunyah, Victoria. “I can remember how cold the floor was, and being incredibly bored,” she told me recently.

Rutherglen was in a dismal state: Lindemans’s had closed its Corowa fortified winery (across the Murray River, on the NSW side). Seppelt was also turning its back, selling off vineyard land in pieces, and the old Seppeltsfield Distillery plus a couple of hectares of adjoining vines.

Chris Pfeiffer had been the winemaker/manager of the Corowa winery, and had decided to accept the redundancy package rather than transfer to another part of the firm’s business. Thus he had enough money to buy the distillery, start establishing the “brood stock” (very old muscat and Topaque), refurbish part of the building for making table wine and eventually introduce a cellar door.

Life went on for Jen. At university she enrolled in science-law (because she didn’t know what else she wanted to do). Almost accidentally, work experience at Brown Brothers and overseas travel in France and Portugal added to her winemaking experience. On her return there was an option of joining the family business and she did so in 2001, still with no certainty that this would become a lifetime job. There was no Eureka moment, but in 2005 she became de facto chief winemaker, albeit with Chris ever able to give advice when needed.

Jen has the same self-set mission as any good winemaker: “To make better wines than I have ever made before”. In 2010 she did spectacularly well; Pfeiffer Wines won the trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor at the 2011 Victorian

Wines Show, Trophies for the 2010 Merlot and the 2010 Shiraz, and top gold medals for the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, NV Grand Topaque and NV Classic Topaque.

Overall, the 2011 year showered Pfeiffer with eight trophies, 16 gold medals and 15 silver medals. Bronze medals? Too many to count.

 2010 Pfeiffer Shiraz

A blend of two parcels, one feremented in stainless steel to conclusion, the other pressed to American and French oak halfway through fermentation. Bright, clear crimson; particularly notable for its elegance and fragrance; light-to medium-bodied, but very long; fresh cherry fruit, controlled oak and tannins. 14.5% alc; screwcap

95 points; to drink to 2025

 2010 Pfeiffer Cabernet Sauvignon

After a cold soak of four days, fermentation took place in two stainless steel fermenters; one of these was split two-thirds of the way through fermentation, with the standout portion transferred to new French oak hogsheads for the conclusion of fermentation. Excellent crimson-purple; has an expressive, varietal bouquet with blackcurrant/cassis to the fore; the medium-bodied plate is long, silky and very well-balanced, new oak making a contribution, the tannins fine-grained. 14.5% alc; screwcap

95 points; drink t0 2020;

The Weekend Australian Magazine February 11-12, 2012 – Article By James Halliday

17
Jun
11

Introducing Mt Monster – - – The Rock’s little brother….

By karwigwines Leave a Comment
Categories: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Padthaway and Shiraz

Introducing Mt Monster – - – The Rock’s little brother….

The Bryson Brothers have once again outdone themselves in the quality stakes with their new range of wines. Mt Monster wines are impressive stuff in their own right; they do not need to hide in the Shadow of their big brother the Jip Jip Rocks

At Mt. Monster, it is their sole objective to produce the best wines possible from the unique vineyard site. Located in the Padthaway valley which is comprised of rich Terra Rosa soils our estate vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure producing grapes of optimum flavour, colour and tannin development.

The plains of Padthaway produce wines of consistent quality and style. Although famously known as ‘Chardonnay country’, the region produces excellent examples of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from old vine material.

The gently undulating country of Padthaway is neighbour to the famous Coonawarra. It has climatic similarities and a good slice of terra rossa, the famed soil of the Limestone Coast. The success of Coonawarra led viticulturalists to seek out similar ground. Back in 1944 the CSIRO had recommended the region for horticulture due to its rich soil and underground water supply. The climate is coined “Maritime” with coastal influences. The vineyards here produce fruit for red and white and sparkling wine.

The Wines:

Mt Monster Cabernet Sauvignon

Mt Monster Shiraz

Mt Monster Sparkling Brut

09
Jun
11

Jip Jip Rocks….. It’s Back and it’s brought some friends…

By karwigwines Leave a Comment
Categories: Australia, Chardonnay, Padthaway, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Wines

The Family

Since 1851 five generations of the Bryson family have been involved in agriculture and the unique and fertile land in South Australia. Our vineyards at Padthaway are planted on some of the world’s oldest mineral rich soils and in the most temperate of maritime climates. The family business was built over the past half century by Clive Bryson, who has now handed the day-to-day operations over to the next generation, his three sons, Andrew, David and Paul.

David oversees every aspect of the business, from winemaking, packaging, stock control, to national and international distribution, sales and marketing. David’s knowledge and skills come from a successful 21 year career in Banking & Finance.

Andrew, our resident viticultralist, grew up on the family property at Padthaway and was instrumental in setting up the 210 acre Morambro Creek Vineyard in 1994 with the help of other family members. Andrew is the Senior Viticulturalist and has completed a diploma in Agriculture at Roseworthy College, a certificate in viticulture and contributes to a number of industry organizations.

Paul is our resident grazier and agricultralist, grew up on the family property at Padthaway. Paul manages the families other 210 acre estate vineyard. He has completed a certificate in viticulture together with several other industry certificates.

The Vineyard:
At Jip Jip Rocks, it is our sole objective to produce the best wines possible from our unique vineyard site. Located in the Padthaway valley which is comprised of rich Terra Rosa soils our estate vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure producing grapes of optimum flavour, colour and tannin development. The warm summer days are moderated each evening by coastal winds that cool the vines and result in a longer ripening period. This extended period allows for the grape tannins and seed to fully ripen prior to being harvested, thus creating wines that are rich and supple on the palate.

Vinification:

The wines from Jip Jip Rocks express full varietal flavours, take advantage of the Padthaway’s maritime climate with its long slow ripening season and unique soils. We use traditional winemaking methods, complemented by modern winemaking technology with minimal processing to ensure the purity, integrity, texture and flavour from our vineyard.

 Our pursuit of great wine can also be seen in the meticulous management of our vineyard. We strive for low crop yields and small grape bunches of intense flavour, and whilst we employ the latest technology in the vineyard to help us achieve vine balance and reduced vigour, we harvest when the fruit reaches full flavour development.

All of this is overseen by: Specialist Ben Riggs who has had 21 years of wine making experience, with 14 years being spent at Wirra Wirra. Ben has also presided over 8 international vintages in countries such as USA, France, Greece and Italy. His extensive experience with a broad range of wine styles gives Ben the unique position of being a true Master Winemaker.

Brad Rey who comes to us with over 20 years of management and sales experience within the wine industry and held senior sales and marketing roles at Coriole Vineyards, Wirra Wirra Vineyards, and the Chalone Group in California. Brad has a degree in wine making from Charles Sturt University and completed vintages in California, Oregon and France.

The Wines:
The 3 Gold Medals award winning Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009
Jip Jip Rocks Unoaked Chardonnay
Jip Jip Rocks Sauvignon Blanc
Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz
Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Cuvee Chardonnay

09
Mar
11

The Irish Connection

By karwigwines 1 Comment
Categories: Aonghusa, California, Carignan, Corbieres, Germany, Producers, Shiraz, South Africa, Special Offers, The Look Of Wine and Wines

German – Irish Wines??

With St. Patrick’s Day, our national holiday just around the corner, it got us thinking again about our ‘Irish Wines’. We have a number of wines which can someway or another be traced back to Ireland.  So between now and the 17th March, we’ll be publishing a blog on each of our featured wines.

So lets get started with Germany:

Burgerspital is located in a fantastically beautiful courtyard right in the middle of Würzburg, is one of the largest wine-growing estates in Germany and one of the most important. With a wine-growing area of 110 hectares.

The slopes and steep sites of the hills along the River Main offer ideal conditions for growing wine. The sun smiles upon the vineyards quite early in the year, the Shelly limestone soil (Muschelkalk) storing the warmth.  The location, the soil, the climate, the proximity to the river, the selection of the types of vine and the art of the Bürgerspital wine-growers enable exceptional wines to be grown here.

Burgerspital is reknowned for using the “Bocksbeutel” - a flattened, round bottle shaped like a leather pouch for bottling the wine – and yes it is a full sized bottle holding 750ml.

In 1726 the Council of the City of Würzburg decided that the “Bocksbeutel” be the mark of quality compared with poorly produced wines. To this day, the first sealed specimens of the Bocksbeutel are stored in Bürgerspital’s cellars.  Bürgerspital has been totally committed to the Bocksbeutel’s claim to quality right up to the present day.

The Vineyard:

The most favourable conditions for viticulture in Germany are the south and southwest-facing slopes of protected valleys, e. g. along the Rhine and its tributaries as well as the valleys of the Elbe, Saale and Main rivers. The exposure to sunlight is more intense on slopes than on flat sites and slopes with a southern exposure also profit from longer periods of sunshine.

All Bürgerspital sites are Einzellagen (individual vineyard sites) and located in the heart of the specified wine-growing region Franken (Franconia).

Würzburger Stein
They only cultivate classical varietals (Riesling, Silvaner, Weißer Burgunder, Gewürztraminer, Rieslaner, Scheurebe) on some 30 hectares in the world-renowned location Würzburger Stein. Its terroir being a rare combination of the micro-climate, soil and the slope inclination, direction and proximity to the river – offers wines of the very highest quality.

 

 

Bürgerspital wines have been awarded numerous prestigious national and international prizes and have won wine-tasting competitions held by celebrated sommeliers and wine journalists. This wine-growing estate is a founding member of the VDP (Association of German Top-Quality Wine-Growing Estates). The VDP is the elite of Germany´s wine producers. A distinguishing feature all VDP wines show is the eagle on the neck of the bottle.

 

But what has this to do with Ireland I hear you ask, well, St Killian, who is the Patron Saint of Wurzburg, hailed orginally from Ireland. Burgerspital sits in the heart of Wurzburg, in the shadow of St. Killian.

Saint Killian’s feast day is July 8 and he is usually portrayed, as in his statue at Würzburg, bearing a bishop’s crozier and wielding a sword. The Kiliani-Volksfest (two weeks in July) is the main civil and religious festival in the region around Würzburg.

 

13
Jan
11

Paul Osicka Shiraz 30% off

By karwigwines Leave a Comment
Categories: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grape Varieties, Heathcote, Paul Osicka, Producers, Shiraz, Special Offers, Victoria, Wine Websites and Wines

Paul Osicka Shiraz 2002

Established: 1955
Region: Australia – Victoria – Bendigo
Winemaker: Paul Osicka
Winery Owner: Paul Osicka
Winery Area: 30 acres (12 ha)

Paul Osicka Wines is one of the longest established wine producers in the Heathcote wine region with the original Shiraz vines planted over 45 years ago. Grown without irrigation on sandy loam soil over quartz and red ironstone gravels, the vineyard is managed according to organic principles, without the use of herbicides or insecticides. The vines are hand pruned to balance the yield and the grapes are hand picked to achieve optimum fruit quality, in turn producing small, intensely flavoured and coloured fruit to make premium wines.

“The Osicka family arrived in Australia from Czechoslovakia in the early 1950s. Vignerons in their own country, they settled at Graytown, and commenced planting vines in 1955. Their vineyard was the first new venture in Central and Southern Victoria for over half a century. It keeps a low profile, but produces consistently good shiraz from the 10 ha of estate plantings (the remainder cabernet sauvignon, merlot and riesling). Produces consistently good shiraz”
James Halliday

Wine background
Produced from non-irrigated, 40-year-old vines grown on sandy gravel soils. Matured in American oak hogsheads (one-third new, two-thirds second and third fill) for 14 months.

Climate
The size of the region, by implication, results in variations in climate, geology and topography. The north is drier than the south and typically receives an average of 5-10mm less rain per month during the vines growing season (October to April). The region’s southern vineyards experience cooler temperatures during the growing season. These can vary between 1.8 and 1.4 degrees Celsius lower, resulting in an extended growing season. This variation in temperature during the grape ripening period results in a spread of picking dates and subsequently the development of a range of different flavour profiles.

'Heathcote Soil'

Soil
Located to the north of the Great Dividing Range, the Heathcote region is at elevations between 160m and 380m. The majority of soil under vine is Cambrian – red and deep with excellent water retention.
In fact, some vignerons do not irrigate, aiming for smaller fruit that is intensely rich in flavour. The region’s rainfall is evenly distributed between the seasons and the climate is temperate, with cooling winds blowing from the south.

Heathcote wines are defined by their inky depth of colour, and deep, dark, complex fruit. Voluptuous and well balanced, acid and tannin melt together in a way that does not dominate the fruit, but gives the wine great cellaring ability.

These characteristics are a product not only of winemaking skills, but of the vineyard itself. It is the ‘terroir’ of the different vineyards that is responsible. Whilst the terroirs of Heathcote differ, they all produce high quality fruit – and can be credited with the burgeoning fame and demand for Heathcote wines.

To celebrate this outstanding producer, we are offering a very special 30% discount off our Shiraz 

12
Jan
11

Bird in the Hand or Two in the Bush?

By karwigwines 1 Comment
Categories: Adelaide Hills, Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grape Varieties, Producers, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, Special Offers, Tasting and Wines

 

Full range of Australian Wines are on Sale for a massive 25% off for the month of January

Our Bird in the Hand / Two in the Bush wines are produced by the Nugent family based in Adelaide Hills.

 Andrew Nugent the viticulturalist and winemaker, grew up next door to Penfolds at Magill and from there started his profession in South Australia’s McLaren Vale.

Moving to the emerging wine region of the Adelaide Hills, in 1997, Andrew Nugent planted vineyards and an olive grove on 100 acres on Bird in Hand Road, Woodside. The road itself was named after the “Bird in Hand” gold mine that operated in the district in the 1850s. Four hundred metres above sea level, the vineyards face north and boast deep, well drained red earth, formed from metamorphic rock.

To extend the winemaking range available to Bird in Hand, another vineyard in the famous wine-growing region of Clare has been acquired to provide fruit for world class Riesling and Shiraz.

 The Nugent family lives and works on the picturesque property, reflecting the strong sense of community in the Adelaide Hills. Andrew exudes a quiet but steely determination to grow Bird in Hand into one of the world’s great wineries. “We live and work at the winery. We know the best thing we can do for our community is grow and produce the best wine and olives we can. Our success will be our community’s success. A high tide lifts all the boats in the bay. At Bird in Hand we’ve assembled the best team of people, we’ve painstakingly selected the perfect terroir and we’re well on our way.” Tasting notes on some of the wines:

Bird in Hand Riesling,  Clare Valley

 2005 vintage was considered to be amongst the best that Clare has produced, fast gaining the same iconic reputation as the 2002. Bird in Hand Riesling, from the northern slopes of the Clare Valley has an intriguing aroma of white flowers. On the palate it offers the classic lime and citrus characters of the Clare Valley, underlining a mineral finish.

 James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion 2007 – 93 Points 

Bird in Hand Cabernet Sauvignon, MT Lofty Ranges

The 2006 Bird in Hand Cabernet Sauvignon has been aged for over 17 months in tight grained French oak. This limited release is an elegant example of classic varietal Cabernet. It is a vibrant deep red colour, exhibiting appealing aromas of blackberry, cassis and a mix of subtle fruit and oak spice. The palate is a rich and intense expression of its aromas offering great complexity, mouth feel and length. It is silky in texture with persistent tannins. It is drinking beautifully now and will age gracefully developing cedar and cigar box characteristics over time.

Two in the Bush Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills

The 2008 vintage is a lively and vibrant example of this classic blend. The bright zesty lemon characteristics from the Semillon are enhanced and made more complex by the intense tropical aromas and flavours of the Sauvignon Blanc. The Semillon also provides palate weight, texture and roundness. Crisp, fresh and full flavoured, this wine is best enjoyed young.

Two in the Bush Shiraz, Adelaide Hills / Mt Lofty Ranges

The 2006 “Two in the Bush” shiraz has been aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It is deep red with purple hues and exhibits intense aromas of rich dark berries and exotic spice. The palate has hallmark cool climate white pepper together with blackberry and licorice characteristics and a long flavoursome finish. The “Two in the Bush” reds are outstanding wines with instant appeal combined with balance and structure to age gracefully.

Full range of Australian Wines are on Sale for a massive 25% off for the month of January

11
Nov
10

South African Sale

By karwigwines Leave a Comment
Categories: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Grape Varieties, Merlot, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, South Africa, Syrah, Uncategorized and Wines

 

To celebrate this amazing country, we are offering a whopping 25% off all our South African wines for the next 2 weeks, all of which are available to taste in our shop in Carrigaline.

South Africa is an important wine-producing country, with most of its major wine regions occupying the southernmost tip of the African continent. The heart of the country’s wine industry lies in and around the Cape Peninsula and the Coastal Region, both of which are exposed to the maritime influences of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Overall, the climate can be termed as Mediterranean, which is marked by dry heat and intense sunlight. These features, along with other growing conditions and a long tradition of quality winemaking, are reflected in South Africa’s wine styles.

 South Africa is one of the few wine-growing countries which demonstrate a mix of Old and New World cultures when it comes to the styles of wine produced. While its sparkling wine and the majority of it’s still wines follow New world winemaking practices, there are many well-known fortified and dessert wines which are more in line with their Old World counterparts.

 A diverse range of grapes are grown throughout South Africa’s wine-producing regions. Chenin Blanc (locally known as Steen) and Chardonnay top the whites list whereas Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are notable reds. Pinotage is another important variety that produces a signature style in South Africa.

 We are offering a whopping 25% off all our South African wines for the next 2 weeks, all of which are available to taste in our shop in Carrigaline. We hope to see you soon ….

29
Oct
10

Halloween Favourites

By karwigwines Leave a Comment
Categories: Gewurztraminer, Grape Varieties, Shiraz, Sweet Wines, Wine Food Matching and Wines

Halloween Favourites

With Halloween only a few days away, here’re some interesting facts about pumpkins that we here at Karwig’s didn’t know:

A pumpkin is really a squash?
It is! It’s a member of the Cucurbita family which includes squash and cucumbers.

That pumpkins are grown all over the world?
Six of the seven continents can grow pumpkins including Alaska! Antarctica is the only continent that they won’t grow in.

That the “pumpkin capital” of the world is Morton, Illinois?
This self proclaimed pumpkin capital is where you’ll find the home of the Libby corporation’s pumpkin industry.

That the Irish brought this tradition of pumpkin carving to America?
The tradition originally started with the carving of turnips. When the Irish immigrated to the U.S., they found pumpkins a plenty and they were much easier to carve for their ancient holiday.

Fun Facts about the Pumpkin!

  • Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
  • Pumpkin flowers are edible.
  • The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.
  • In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.
  • Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
  • The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.
  • Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
  • Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.
  • Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made mats.

Once we’d learned these we decided to see what wines went best with Pumpkin dishes.

Here’s what we decided for Pumpkin Soup:

 Gewürztraminer http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults_custom.asp?customfield=3&SearchValues=230&vLM=Grape&vLMC=

 Gamay http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults_custom.asp?customfield=3&SearchValues=35&vLM=Grape&vLMC=

 Campolieti http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/Valpolicella-Campolietti-Righetti-9p214.htm

 If pumpkin soup’s not your thing try some Pumpkin pie, all of the wines below go brilliantly with it

 French Muscat http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=H&resultCnt=9&keyword=chateau+de+stony

 Sauternes http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=H&resultCnt=9&keyword=Sauternes

 Tokaji  http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults_custom.asp?customfield=3&SearchValues=244&vLM=Grape&vLMC=

 Karwig’s would like to take the opportunity to wish all off you, our customers and readers a safe and enjoyable Halloween. And don’t forget your penny for the pucha!

 Till next time….

01
Mar
10

I say syrah, you say shiraz – either way, its delicious !

By karwigwines Leave a Comment
Categories: Australia, Education, Grape Varieties, Hermitage, Shiraz, Syrah and Wines
Syrah / Shiraz

Syrah / Shiraz

 

Continuing on our series of what to look for in grape varieties, today we cast our nose and eye over one of my personal favourites; the wonderful syrah or shiraz. 

So when you next pick up the glass, here are some things to look for (allowing of course for the origin of the wine – a Northern Rhone Syrah will be very different to a Barossa Shiraz – They are very different and I love both !) 

syrah / shiraz

  • Black Pepper
  • Blackberry
  • Black Olive
  • White Pepper
  • Spice
  • Raspberry
  • Redcurrant
  • Cherry
  • Mulberry
  • Plum
  • Jammy
  • Menthol
  • Aniseed
  • Liquorice
  • Gamey
  • Earthy
  • Chocolate
  • Leather
  • Tar
  • Soy Sauce

So there you go. Let me know if you have something you get from your favourite Hermitage or Ozzie Shiraz thats not listed here. 

Ah syrah, you’ve gotta love it


Because Life Is Too Short To Drink Boring Wine . . .

Karwig Wines are importers, wholesalers and retailers of selected and estate bottled wines from all over the world. Its all about the wine. We have one of the broadest selections of wine from quality Old World and New World producers.

Categories

Archives

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 1,204 other followers

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,204 other followers