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The Tatiarra wines have generated a remarkable degree of excitement in a very short period of time as the following reviews by local and international wine writers attest. Nevertheless, Tatiarra's initial success also presents a counter-challenge: Tatiarra must maintain or better the exceptional standards so far achieved if it is to be recognised as one of the worlds great Shiraz marques. |
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| ...............................................................................................................................  James Halliday's 2005 Wine Companion [left] (James Halliday is a highly regarded Australian wine writer.) BEST WINERIES OF THE REGIONS page 149 HEATHCOTE Domaines Tatiarra Jasper Hill Redesdale Estate Wines DOMAINES TATIARRA SUMMARY Domaines Tatiarra Limited is an unlisted public company, its cores asset being a 60 hectare property of cambrian earth first identified and developed by Bill Hepburn, who sold the project to the company in 1991. It is intended to produce only one varietal wine : Shiraz. The majority of the wine will come from the Tatiarra (Aboriginal word meaning beautiful country) property, but the Trademark Shiraz is an equal blend of McLaren Vale and Heathcote wine. The wines are made at the modern Pettavel Winery in Geelong, Ben Riggs commuting backwards and forwards between McLaren Vale and the winery as required. It is hard to imagine a more auspicious start to a new venture than that provided by the 2002 wines. ***** CAMBRIAN SHIRAZ 2002 Deep, almost opaque colour; smooth, ripe, concentrated blackberry and plum fruit, complexed but touches of pepper and spice; excellent management of tannins and oak. RATING 94 DRINK 2017 $40 **** CARAVAN OF DREAMS SHIRAZ PRESSINGS 2002 Even greater richness and complexity than the other two wines, oozing luscious blackberry and plum jam, with touches of spice. Velvety finish. RATING 93 DRINK 2022 $50 **** TRADEMARK SHIRAZ 2002 Deeply coloured, lusciously rich, ripe and powerful; a mix of dark chocolate, earth and blackberry; abundant tannins. RATING 90 DRINK 2020 $60 ............................................................................................................................... 2002 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz "The ancient Cambrian soil of Victoria's Heathcote
region has made it one of the most valued bits of Australian vineyard
ground in a few short years. Even some South Australian Shiraz makers -
on condition of anonymity, of course - wreckon it's one of the
country's best places for Shiraz. This new addition to the Heathcote
club, made by ex-Wirra Wirra man Ben Riggs, is a powerful, ripe and
alcoholic (15.5 per cent) style with a sweet berry nose of jammy
concentration. The palate has tons of concentrated fruit, full body and
well integrated, firm tannins. It's an uncompromising big red made in
the hefty regional style." 2002 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz "HEATHCOTE IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING NEW
REGIONS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SHIRAZ. TATIARRA WITH THEIR FIRST RELEASE
ARE SET TO BECOME ONE OF HEATHCOTE’S TOP PRODUCERS SETTING EXACTING
STANDARDS WITH POTENTIAL INVESTMENT UPSIDE.
2007 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings Rating: 93 Drink 2011 - 2020 After the free run juice is separated for the Cambrian Shiraz, the skins are gently pressed and the juice matured in predominately new American oak for 17 months to produce the wine for the Caravan of Dreams label. The 2007 Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings has a very deep garnet-black color and displays intense aromas of creme de cassis, prunes, fruit cake, vanilla pod, mocha, and anise. Opulent, very full-bodied and rich, this is quite a layered, spicy Shiraz with medium-high acid and a medium to high level of fine tannins to support. The finish is very long. It’s good now but will probably marry a little better with a further 1-2 years in bottle and drink until 2020+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2008 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings Rating: 94 Drink 2012 - 2022 After the free run juice is separated for the Cambrian Shiraz, the skins are gently pressed and the juice matured in predominately new American oak for 17 months to produce the wine for the Caravan of Dreams label. With an equally deep garnet-black color, the 2008 Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings has pronounced aromas of kirsch, warm blackberries, game, marmite, and truffles with a little loam and coffee grounds. This 2008 has just slightly better balanced structure with crisp acid and a medium level of very fine, silky tannins. Concentrated, seamless and very long in the finish, drink this from 2012 to 2022+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2007 Tatiarra Culled Barrel Shiraz Rating: 91 Drink 2010 - 2016 The 2007 Culled Barrel Shiraz has a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant aromas of warm blackberry, black currant, coffee grounds and anise with a touch of black pepper. Rich yet fine on the palate with medium-high acid and a medium level of fine grained tannins, this full-bodied Shiraz gives a long finish. Drink it now to 2016+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2008 Tatiarra Culled Barrel Shiraz Rating: 90 Drink 2010 - 2017 The 2008 Culled Barrel Shiraz reveals a very deep garnet-purple color and intense aromas of black currants, prunes, tar, earth, licorice and dark chocolate. Rich, ripe and full-bodied with medium-high acid and a medium level of velvety tannins, it finishes long and spicy. Drink it now to 2017+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2007 Tatiarra Shiraz Cambrian Rating: 92 Drink 2013 - 2020 The 2007 Cambrian Shiraz has a very deep garnet-black color and gives pronounced notes of warm blackberries, macerated black cherries, spice box, powdered cinnamon and liquorice. Crisp acid cuts through the dense fruit on this full-bodied wine, with a medium level of fine tannins to lend just enough texture. The anise laced finish is long. Enticingly approachable now, it will be at its best from 2013 to 2020+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2008 Tatiarra Shiraz Cambrian Rating: 92 Drink 2013 - 2020 With a very deep garnet-purple color, the 2008 Cambrian Shiraz has an alluring perfume of warm blackberries, blueberries, violets and licorice with a bit of coffee. Crisp acid plus a medium level of fine tannins give backbone to the lush, full body creating a pleasant harmony. The finish is very long. This wine should be drinking best 2013 to 2020+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2007 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings Rating: 93 Drink: 2011 - 2020 After the free run juice is separated for the Cambrian Shiraz, the skins are gently pressed and the juice matured in predominately new American oak for 17 months to produce the wine for the Caravan of Dreams label. The 2007 Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings has a very deep garnet-black color and displays intense aromas of creme de cassis, prunes, fruit cake, vanilla pod, mocha, and anise. Opulent, very full-bodied and rich, this is quite a layered, spicy Shiraz with medium-high acid and a medium to high level of fine tannins to support. The finish is very long. It’s good now but will probably marry a little better with a further 1-2 years in bottle and drink until 2020+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2008 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings Rating: 94 Drink: 2012 - 2022 After the free run juice is separated for the Cambrian Shiraz, the skins are gently pressed and the juice matured in predominately new American oak for 17 months to produce the wine for the Caravan of Dreams label. With an equally deep garnet-black color, the 2008 Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings has pronounced aromas of kirsch, warm blackberries, game, marmite, and truffles with a little loam and coffee grounds. This 2008 has just slightly better balanced structure with crisp acid and a medium level of very fine, silky tannins. Concentrated, seamless and very long in the finish, drink this from 2012 to 2022+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2007 Tatiarra Culled Barrel Shiraz Rating: 91 Drink: 2010 - 2016 The 2007 Culled Barrel Shiraz has a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant aromas of warm blackberry, black currant, coffee grounds and anise with a touch of black pepper. Rich yet fine on the palate with medium-high acid and a medium level of fine grained tannins, this full-bodied Shiraz gives a long finish. Drink it now to 2016+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” ............................................................................................................................... 2008 Tatiarra Culled Barrel Shiraz Rating: 90 Drink: 2010 - 2017 Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown The 2008 Culled Barrel Shiraz reveals a very deep garnet-purple color and intense aromas of black currants, prunes, tar, earth, licorice and dark chocolate. Rich, ripe and full-bodied with medium-high acid and a medium level of velvety tannins, it finishes long and spicy. Drink it now to 2017+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2007 Tatiarra Shiraz Cambrian Rating: 92 Drink: 2013 - 2020 The 2007 Cambrian Shiraz has a very deep garnet-black color and gives pronounced notes of warm blackberries, macerated black cherries, spice box, powdered cinnamon and liquorice. Crisp acid cuts through the dense fruit on this full-bodied wine, with a medium level of fine tannins to lend just enough texture. The anise laced finish is long. Enticingly approachable now, it will be at its best from 2013 to 2020+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2008 Tatiarra Shiraz Cambrian Rating: 92 Drink: 2013 - 2020 Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown With a very deep garnet-purple color, the 2008 Cambrian Shiraz has an alluring perfume of warm blackberries, blueberries, violets and licorice with a bit of coffee. Crisp acid plus a medium level of fine tannins give backbone to the lush, full body creating a pleasant harmony. The finish is very long. This wine should be drinking best 2013 to 2020+. The original 10-acre Tatiarra vineyard was established by Bill Hepburn in the early 1990s, while he purportedly camped out in his “Caravan of Dreams.” More recently another 10 acres have been committed to vine, and McLaren Vale winemaker, Ben Riggs, has taken his talents to this impressive Heathcote project. The estate is producing some very classy Shirazes that are whole-heartedly recommended. The Culled Barrel label is exactly as it suggests – a “second wine” composed of declassified barrels that did not make the cuts for the other “grand vins.” Nonetheless, the 2007 and 2008 are still pretty impressive wines. ............................................................................................................................... 2002 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz "Yup, the same one that outscored all those classic
wines like the 1998 Grange at last year's Great Shiraz Shootout. The
Tatiarra Vineyard is in the Heathcote District, an area of Australia
that is about to explode on the world scene in terms of Shiraz. The
Cambrian Earth has become the most prized of soil profiles in that
area, existing in a long parallel ban starting south of Heathcote and
extending all the way to the north of Colbinabbin. These 500 million
year old volcanic soils make for some amazing Shiraz. The Tatiarra
Vineyard is managed by Ian Rathjen, the same fellow who runs the Aussie
cult fave Whistling Eagle Vineyard, and the wines are made by the
legendary Ben Riggs. Only 143 cases of this wine exist and the nose is
packed with licorice, plum, blackberry and black pepper. The palate is
huge and concentrated with all those same flavors plus a bit of cedar
and vanilla. This is an insanely powerful wine that could easily cellar
for 15-20 years. I want to say this right now: the Tatiarra wines have
the potential, given the creative forces behind them, to be the next
Penfolds Grange of Australia. Nick's Wine Merchants in Victoria use a
rigorous scoring method for wines that is on a 100 point scale similar
to the Wine Advocate. They scored this wine 98. These wines have yet to
be reviewed by Parker, etc. so you have a grand opportunity to get in
on the ground floor of a cult wine in the making. Before it gets to be
over a hundred bucks a bottle." - Michael A. |
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2002 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings |
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Entire contents © Copyright 2010 Domaines Tatiarra / Tatiarra Vineyard, Gibb Road, Toolleen, (Heathcote), Victoria, 3559. ABN 98 090 457 819 Liquor License No. 36077241 Telephone: 0428 628 420 Email: sales@cambrianshiraz.com WARNING: Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence: To supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $6,000) For a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $500) |
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