Chris Ringland Shiraz

Chris Ringland, an often celebrated Australian wine maker, literally may be a direct descendant of King Midas…nothing this guy has touched has gone anywhere but gold.

Personally I’m a huge fan, and when I heard the news that there might be some distribution and import hold ups I wanted any reason to twist a top and  get to drinking, so I thought why not a heads up!

This Shiraz produced out of the Barossa Valley from a relatively small lot of seven acres and sourced from 100 year old vines still attached to their birth roots (South Australia was Phylloxera free up until just very recently, due to strict import rules) And are bottled under a Stelvin enclosure (screw cap) which means that any attempts to see bottle improvement with aging will be very slow coming, as Stelvin caps are designed not to let ANY air in, whereas corks  by their own nature introduce small amounts to help the wine evolve, but that’s a post for another day

2007

Muddled fruit blend of cherry and blackberry, smoked and roasted tomato, the mid is as refreshing as an espresso on a cold day with the slightest hint of sweet oak which allows the earthy briar to shine on the finish, which is drawn out and slowly falls off

2008

Black and blueberries with aromas of cedar and roasted beets, the mid adds a touch of anise framed by an Asian style spice. Texture is velvety but very structured with a sour cherry “pie” acidity streaming pepper and light hints of mocha through the finish.

Conclusion, hmm…at $18 your crazy not to buy as much of this wine as you can, personally I prefer the 2007 but I have a feeling the 2008 will need to be accompanied by food for most people, where the 2007 should be put in a glass and drank.

If these wines really peak your interest and you want to try stepping up the price ladder some of Mr. Ringland’s other projects are as equally amazing.

El Nido Clio a blend of Monastrell and Cabernet from Jumila  $50

Alto Moncayo Aquilon a powerhouse made from Garnacha in Campo de Borja $140

3 Rings Reserve shiraz from Barossa Valley  $35