Shiraz 2012
Tasting Notes
The Battle 2012 Shiraz has a full and mouth filling palate, with soft and persistent tannins and enormous length. This wine’s a keeper, too – put it in your cellar and forget about it for a while, if you can. It has those characteristic McLaren Vale black and red fruits on the nose which may beguile you into forgetting to cellar it, however. Either way if you drink it now, or choose to squirrel some away, the outcome will be the same; enormous enjoyment from this organically grown wine from one of the best Shiraz regions in the world.
Vintage
It is a massive truism, but really, every vintage is different. Vintage 2012 was condensed into about 8 weeks from go to whoa which meant we had finished crushing all grapes by the end of March. Generally this feat would only be accomplished by the middle to end of April. Yields across all varieties were considerably down on average (from 15-40% in some varieties), but quality is looking very promising for both reds and whites. We had cool conditions up until the end of February then some rain, which did not affect things too much (see vintage 2011)as the whites were already picked and safely in the winery, and reds were unaffected. Joch’s prediction, with further checks on wine in barrel and subsequent contemplation is that 2012 will be a great red wine year.
Winemaking
Our aim has remained the same over the 12 years we have been making the Battle Shiraz, namely to make a delicious mid-weight wine with a balance of fruit, oak and flavour. It looks very much like we’ve managed to do just that once more with the 2012 Shiraz. The wine is traditionally made in open fermenters, and the ferment finishes in barrel. We use about 40% new oak barriques, the majority of which are from 3-4 different French coopers. Joch chooses grapes from a few of our Shiraz blocks – Braden’s which is on the black cracking Biscay clays, The Hill Shiraz from just in front of cellar door as well as Chanticleer on the free-draining stony loam soils.
Reviews
James Halliday's Wine Companion 2015
Dense, deep crimson-purple; organically grown grapes have revelled in the '12 vintage conditions; the unplumbed depths of this full-bodied, black-fruited velvety wine will take decades to open up and reveal all, but the soft, round tannins mean it can be enjoyed at any stage of its development. Great value.
95 points
Cellar Talk by Ray Jordan in the West Australian December 2014
Wine of the Week
This is from one of the best producers in McLaren Vale. The vineyard is organically managed and the aim is to always to produce wines that capture the vineyard and the region: the range is impressive and this is a super wine at great value. Deep and very dark colour.
Made with limited hands-on and as a result the expression of fruit is remarkable. Deep plum and subtle spicy notes with plenty of blackcurrant and richness. Smooth velvety palate with supple tannins and so much fruit concentration. Super value for this price.
93/100
The Wine Front 8th October 2014 Gary Walsh
Organically grown, and McLaren Vale is a good climate for the undertaking of such noble endeavours. As an aside, I used to prefer McLaren Vale Shiraz, then I thought Barossa was better, and now I think McLaren is probably better. Looking at their webpage, I see they make a Pinot Noir too. Have to love that.
This pretty much has all the stuff you’re looking for in a McLaren Vale Shiraz. Rich black fruit, liquorice, some spice and earthiness but delivered with a bit of verve and freshness. Medium to full bodied, earthy and a little bit spicy with raspberry liqueur and black fruit, a silky feel at first, then a chomp of chalky tannin comes down on the finish. Cedar oak is well bedded and supports, rather than dominates the wine. Has a fair amount of complexity, but most importantly, is also very good to drink.
Rated : 93 Points
Tasted : Oct14
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : $25
Closure : Screwcap
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2012 was a fantastic vintage in South Australia for effortlessly producing great value Shiraz and Grenache....fresh, modern McLaren Vale Shiraz
Battle of Bosworth 2012 Shiraz, McLaren Vale: Rating: 91
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Technical Details
Vineyards: Braden's, 'Grange' (Hill Blocks) and Chanticleer
Picking Date: March 2012
pH Level: 3.46
Total Acidity: 6.38
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
Bottling Date: 10th September 2013