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NOTES
James Halliday in his 'Wine Atlas of Australia' declares, the Primo Estate approach "is the sort of ingenuity, of daring, which lies outside the imagination of the Old World winemakers and which stands Australia in such good stead." Robert Parker agrees, adding that "I enjoy Primo Estate's offerings as they are innovative, singular, flavourful, complex wines. These creatively made efforts must be admired for their individuality as much as their bold flavours and personality".
All grapes for the wines are sourced from 3 vineyards: McMurtie Road in McLaren Vale, Virginia in the Adelaide Plains and Clarendon; a sub region of the famed McLaren Vale.
In 1989 Joe Grilli of Primo Estate released the 1987 JOSEPH Moda, the first vintage of his critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend made from air dried grapes in the Italian Amarone style. Combining Aussie know-how with his traditional Italian winemaking heritage Joe air dries the finest McLaren Vale fruit on shaded outdoor racks for two weeks prior to crushing, concentrating the fruit so that it loses around 15% of its weight. Taking inspiration from Italian Amarone this technique creates an opulent, brooding wine. All fruit is hand harvested and sorted from Primo Estate's vineyards in McLaren Vale and Clarendon (dry grown).
TASTING NOTES
Fruit of exceptional quality is grown in dedicated parcels in our McLaren Vale and Clarendon vineyards, the 2007 vintage is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. The 2007 Moda is a wine of great depth, balance and concentration of flavour. Plum and spice intermingle with forest berry fruits, lurking below are deep currents of raisins and cigar-box. Ageing in 50% new French and American oak barriques for 20 months contributes to the subtle layering - mocha, cinnamon, vanilla and cedar streaks ripple through the palate. The considerable tannins are saturated by the sheer lushness of flavour.
OTHER REVIEWS
Strong colour; ripe but vibrant blackcurrant, mulberry and spice aromas and flavours; a medium-bodied palate which easily carries the alcohol, and has very good texture and structure. Cork. 15% alc. Rating 95, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010 (2006 Vintage)
I see an almost toasted chocolate splashed with cocoa beans, fresh roasted Kenya coffee, blackberry and black rosa plum fruit heading towards prune and a Brazil nut flesh softness shadow-boxing with burly, grainy tannin. In 10 years' time, who knows what it will taste like, but I know it will be brilliant. Oz Clarke, 250 Best Wines 2009
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