Coates The Cuvee Shiraz 2013

Description

Duane Coates is one of the quiet achievers of the Australian Wine Scene (Masters in Oenology and an MBA from Adelaide University & soon to become a Master of Wine).  His winemaking philosophy is simple the highest quality fruit from sustainable vineyards (some organic), harvest when properly ripe and a natural winemaking approach (minimal intervention wild yeasts, unfined, no additions of tannin, enzyme and acid yes this is vegan friendly!).

Huon Hooke said “Every wine I’ve tasted of McLaren Vale’s Duane Coates has been excellent.”  Highly impressive wines – a style that bridges the gap between fruit driven Australian style and savoury complex wines of old world Europe.  Lisa Perrotti Brown. from leading international website erobertparker.com said “..a breath of fresh air in this area where a lot of producers seem to be following the herd down that incredibly ripe and sometimes over ripe path that has caused not a few producers to come unstuck in heat wave and drought conditions. These are superbly crafted. well priced wines that are wholeheartedly recommended.”

2013 was an excellent growing season. Fruit is sourced from three primary vineyards ( 16 to 80 years in age) including Syrah from the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs for elegance, spice and a strong natural acid backbone, Clarendon adding blueberry and liquorice notes. The darker soils of Willunga adding mulberry, anise and a mid palate lushness to the final blend. Wild yeast ferments for this very impressive blend of selected parcels from McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek.  A splash of VP Touriga Nacional is added with the dosage to impart sweetness and add a little character, 30 months in french oak 92% new).  This is Sparkling Shiraz at its best and will develop complexity with bottle age up to 2030

90 Points James Halliday for the 2011 … “Deep crimson red in colour with an enthusiastic mousse. Lifted aromas of rich plum and Christmas cake backed by exotic  Asian spices. Plush and softly textured on the palate with blackberry flavours interwoven with dark earth. anise and a hint of toast. The long length of persistence is supported by soft acidity. a hint of sweetness and layers of velvety tannin. Drink now to 2020.”

RRP $32