Rockbare Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2006 (McLaren Vale, SA)

NOTES

A native of WA, Tim Burvill moved to SA in 1993 to do the winemaking course at the Adelaide University Roseworthy campus. Having completed an Honours degree in oenology, he was recruited by Southcorp, and quickly found himself in a senior winemaking position responsible for super-premium whites including Penfolds Yattarna.

Tim Burvill is a raider of old vines, one of a breed of swashbuckling winemakers who scour the beaten roads and inaccessible terrains of the McLaren Vale for long forgotten and unviable sites that bear the most precious of old vines. Generations of winemakers have recognised the McLaren Vale's unique ability to grow deeply coloured and intensely flavoured grapes. Tim has reverted to a trusted formula in his quest to create the definitive Rhonesque red. 71% Grenache, 16% Shiraz, 13% Mourvedre.

TASTING NOTES

Crimson in colour with wonderful, comforting smells of yesteryear, pink musk notes of the lolly jar, clove spices from the cupboard, and home baked rhubarb pudding. Scents of dry leaves and lemon tree, the dusty wooden box smells from Grandpa’s old workshop are here too. The palate is opulent and elegant, viscous and supple. It shows the spice and cherry of McLaren Vale Grenache, together with the juiciness of Shiraz and the tannins of Mourvedre. Extra fine tannins arise after each mouthful, leaving the drinker with impressions of dark chocolates and warm, sweet alcohol.