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NOTES
Driven by quality and a hands-on approach, Hollick wines are made from three core vineyards. Neilson's Block, planted by Ian and Wendy in 1975, the nearby Wilgha vineyard, purchased in 1987 and the Red Ridge vineyard developed in 1998 at Wrattonbully, giving Hollick over 200 acres of vineyard in total. Eighty percent is planted to red varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. The balances of the vineyards are planted to the white varieties of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Coonawarra soil is the classic Terra Rossa over limestone, providing excellent drainage and the right balance of nutrients, the ideal medium for vine growth and production of high quality fruit. Since the renaissance of Coonawarra in the 1950's, the region has produced many classic red wines, mainly based on Cabernet Sauvignon. Coonawarra has become synonymous with this grape variety and is recognised and admired world wide as a leading area for the production of premium quality table wines. The long and cool ripening season also produces white wines of distinction, particularly from Riesling, Chardonnays and more recently Sauvignon Blanc.
In the vineyard, Hollick wines utilise a blend of traditional methods and modern technology, which are employed to achieve balance in the wine and consistency of style in the market place.
TASTING NOTES
The 2005 vintage is a blend of 65% Shiraz and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. The majority of the Shiraz in this blend
is from the “Red Ridge” vineyard at Wrattonbully, which is located about 50kms north of the Hollick Coonawarra
vineyards. The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon component is from the Hollick Wilgha vineyard on the south western corner of Coonawarra. This uniquely Australian blend has been made in the tradition of the great
Shiraz Cabernet blends that have helped make the Coonawarra region famous.
The 2005 vintage will be remembered for slightly less than average yields and warm dry conditions throughout. The fruit was able to achieve rich ripe flavours with generous tannins. The grapes were harvested in early April, and following crushing and fermentation, the wine was matured in a mix of new and seasoned French and American oak hogsheads for 18 months.
The 2005 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense, dark purple with fruit aromas of dark plums and black cherries which are enhanced by hints of mint, allspice and cloves. Medium bodied, this wine shows how well these two varieties complement each other. Prune and mulberry flavours from the Shiraz component create mouth-filling characters whilst Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone of blackcurrant (cassis) flavours and velvety tannins.
The harmonious balance of this wine enables it to be consumed now, although cellaring for 4-7 years will be rewarded.
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