The following notes are a meld from the winery and the wine writers nominated. After trying this wine with a group of Chefs the other night I have to say that once again I am delighted to offer a real beauty of a wine from CLare Valley in South Australia, known well for wineries producing sensational Shiraz such as JIm Barry, Olssen, Leasingham, Seven Hills , Pikes, Skillagolee and loads more!
The 2006 Knappstein Shiraz displays typical Clare Valley style and texture. Intense flavours of blackberry, plum and cherry underpin the rich textural palate while underlying hints of menthol and chocolate intertwine beautifully with seamless sandy tannins and spicy French oak. An elegant nose with understated violet aromas completes this classy Clare Valley Shiraz.
The 2006 vintage boasted excellent ripening conditions with mild temperatures through February and March ensuring the accumulation and preservation of delicate Clare Valley style and texture. Below average winter rainfall resulted in decreased crops which guaranteed wonderful intensity of fruit and concentration of flavours.
The wine was made with minimal intervention to preserve fruit purity. Fermentation occurred in Potter (static) and open fermenters, with gentle extraction of flavours and texture through pumping over once a day and hand plunging. Ferment lasted around 14-18 days. The skins were then pressed and wine allowed to settle before being transferred to barrel for two years.
"Good hue; typical of the Clare Valley, with solid structure underpinning the black fruits; good oak and tannin balance augments the spicy/mocha notes also present. Screwcap.14.5% alc. Rating 91 Drink 2016 $22 Date Tasted Feb 09" - James Halliday
"Solid value and solid drinking. This label keeps putting runs on the board. It’s an effective mix of savoury earthiness (and maybe even a touch of bottle development) and sweet, raspberried, raisiny fruit flavour. We especially enjoy its weight – it has impact, but in a light footed way. And there’s delicious flavour of licorice allsorts lingering through the aftertaste. One to watch out for. "Big Red Wine Book 2009/2010, Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh (Australia), 29 May 09
VINEYARD The majority of the fruit is from our Yertabulti Vineyard which is on an elevated site east of the town of Clare. The shiraz vines on the 'Terra Rossa' soils are naturally very low yielding and always display outstanding intensity and varietal character.
Don't Pay: $23.99
WBW Rating: 93/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Clare Valley SA
