Wines of the Month

2005 Majella Sparkling Shiraz

Coonawarra, South Australia

If you have something worth celebrating, there is nothing quite like a sparkling wine to celebrate with. It is even better if it is one of Australia’s unique offerings to the world – a sparkling Shiraz. As the makers of “The Malleea”, Majella are renowned for their powerful, long lived reds and the 2005 Sparkling Shiraz is no different.

The inky dense ruby purple colour is an indication of the concentration of fruit in this sparkling. The aromas are smooth and luscious cassis, dark plums and chocolate coated liquorice. After 48 months on lees, not only are the bubbles fine but so is the texture and balance. The richness of the wine has been enhanced by the addition of vintage port after disgorgement leaving it with enough sweetness to cope with the crisp acid and expected Coonawarra earthiness. The resulting wine has flavours of vibrant blackcurrant and blackberry with earthy spicy nutmeg on the finish. Very rich, very more-ish and visions of sitting and contemplating the Christmas tree with a glass in hand are very fitting for this wine – at any time of the day.

With the crown cap seal, this is one that can continue to develop in the cellar throughout the next decade.

Distribution: contact winery for distributors

Value:  $35.00

Distribution: contact winery for distributors or www.majellawines.com.au

 

© Lisa Johnston November 2009

Wine Diva Wines of the Month, December 2009