The Wine Front – Necessity is the mother of invention. In 1993 Tim Adams was desperately short of shiraz and cabernet so his neighbour, Fergus Mahon, sold him some grenache to keep him ticking over. Hence The Fergus blend was born, and has been made ever since. This release includes tempranillo and malbec, all of which is dry-grown.
Its usual reliable self. There was a time when I wasn’t a great fan of The Fergus but we’ve moved on from there in recent years. It’s well-balanced, fleshy, not too light and not too heavy. It’s red berried with star anise, cola and gum leaf highlights. It’s a well tailored red, perfect for casual drinking.
World Wine – Langton’s Classification VI: Excellent. The intensely-perfumed and muscular Aberfeldy Shiraz reflects the character of vineyard site as much as the personality of winemaker Tim Adams. The 1.6 hectare Aberfeldy Vineyard includes a large proportion of dry-grown, colonial vine stock planted by Wendouree’s Alfred Percy Birks in 1904. This ancient genetic material produces large berries and very high seed content. Vinification takes place in closed fermenters and is followed by 24 months maturation in new American oak. The rich, buoyant and spicy Aberfeldy Shiraz is a deeply-concentrated, opulent style with blackberry aromas, malty/cedary oak and a firm tannin kick. The underlying muscularity of structure is reminiscent of the Wendouree style.
The Wine Front – Lemon, lemongrass, bath powder. Soft and well-rounded, but with a clip of juicy lime acidity to straighten it up, a slight slaty/chalky feel, and a clean crunchy finish of good length. Great glass of wine. Good now too.
The Wine Front – 70/30 blend of Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. All into French oak.
Most of us would be familiar with the red wines of Tim Adams. If you’ve liked any of his reds in the past, you will enjoy this release plenty. It’s absolutely typical, in a good way. Plenty of dark berried fruit, not too complicated, not simple either. Supple but a firm frame. Feels like cabernet, complete with herbal edges, but feels ripe and generous too. Minty. Floral. Clean. In a very good place.
Wine Enthusiast – This is a lovely expression of Clare Valley Cabernet. Open and approachable now, it exudes blackberry, blueberry, mint, sage, graphite, Kalamata olives and ground pepper. Cab's natural power is out in full force in the mouth but there's restraint too. Tannins are fine and granular, supporting juicy fruit and heaps of herbs and spices. Drink now thought 2028. CHRISTINA PICKARD
$467.29
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Nestled in South Australia, Clare Valley boasts a wine history that dates back over 150 years, making it one of Australia's oldest wine regions. Its undulating landscapes and unique microclimates have played a pivotal role in shaping the character of its wines. While it's often recognized for its flagship Rieslings, which exude citrus and floral notes, the valley is also home to a myriad of other varietals. Warm days paired with cool evenings ensure that grapes mature slowly, imbuing them with depth and complexity. Beyond the vines, Clare Valley is steeped in culture, with historic towns, artisanal markets, and scenic vistas adding to its charm. A visit, virtual or real, offers more than just wine—it's a holistic experience, a journey through time and taste.
Clare Valley, an enchanting gem in South Australia's vast wine tapestry, is situated approximately 120 kilometers north of Adelaide. This region, surrounded by rolling hills and pristine landscapes, has solidified its place on the world map as a premier wine-producing location. With a viticultural history dating back to the 1840s, Clare Valley seamlessly marries the old-world charm with the modern advances of winemaking. Its geographic location, combined with its unique topography, ensures that the region enjoys a continental climate, making it prime real estate for vine cultivation.
Absolutely, Clare Valley is renowned for producing high-quality wines that offer excellent value for money. Its unique terroir and climate give rise to wines with deep complexity and vibrant flavors. Rieslings from this region, in particular, are celebrated for their aromatic intensity and crisp acidity. While the region boasts premium labels that cater to the connoisseur, there's a vast selection that caters to those seeking affordability without compromising on quality. Clare Valley ensures that every wine lover, irrespective of budget, gets a taste of its magnificent offerings.
Clare Valley's magic lies in its unique combination of geography, climate, and history. The region's diurnal temperature variation, characterized by warm days and cool nights, aids in the slow ripening of grapes, ensuring depth in flavor and aroma. The valley's terra rossa soils, rich in limestone, contribute to the mineral notes in many of its wines. Additionally, Clare Valley's winemaking heritage, filled with tales of pioneering families and age-old vineyards, adds an extra layer of allure. This heritage, combined with modern innovations, has allowed the region to consistently produce wines that resonate globally.
Clare Valley is synonymous with Riesling. This white wine varietal flourishes in the valley's climate and soils, resulting in wines that are aromatic, crisp, and have a remarkable aging potential. The Rieslings from Clare Valley are recognized for their lime-citrus notes, steely minerality, and high acidity. While Riesling might be the star, the region also produces exemplary Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, showcasing the versatility of the valley.
Selecting the "best" wines from Clare Valley is subjective due to the vast range of exceptional offerings. However, some iconic labels have gained international acclaim. The region's Rieslings, with their hallmark vibrancy, often steal the limelight. Labels like "Grosset Polish Hill" and "Kilikanoon Mort's Block" have earned a reputation for excellence. In the red wine spectrum, Clare Valley Shiraz, with its rich flavors and velvety texture, has many admirers. Names like "Jim Barry The Armagh" and "Tim Adams The Aberfeldy" are often cited as benchmarks in quality. Each bottle from Clare Valley, irrespective of the label, promises a journey of taste and terroir.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.