Icon Wines Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon
{THE FRUIT}
The Cabernet Sauvignon for Grant Burge’s flagship Shadrach has been sourced entirely from Barossa vineyards, where he believes the conditions are perfect for growing super-premium Cabernet Sauvignon with great finesse, intensity and structure. The 2006 Shadrach is true Cabernet class, with fruit sourced from both Grant’s Corryton Park vineyard, high in the Eden Valley, one of the coolest places in the Barossa region, and blended seamlessly with fruit from the Barossa floor with its concentrated rich fruit flavours. The 2005/06 growing season was cooler and with good spring rains the Cabernet fruit was exceptional, harvesting commenced once the grapes reached suitable ripening of around 14.5° Baumè.
{THE WINEMAKING}
The wine underwent traditional fermentation in open stainless steel static fermenters for seven days, with a portion of the fruit left on skins to undergo extended maceration to develop its structure and longevity. The balance underwent primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak, the wine was then matured in new and two year old oak for a further 20 months before bottling. It has spent 1 ½ years in bottle before its release.
{THE COMMENTS}
The palate is round and luscious with flavours following from the nose of blackberry, ripe plums with complex layers of chocolate, coffee and a little spice and meatiness. A powerful flavoursome wine, with elegant French oak tannins and displaying exceptional length. The 2006 Shadrach is the epitome of Barossa Cabernet, this wine will age gracefully for 15 - 18 years, and is ideally matched to aged beef or game dishes such as venison.
{VIEW OUR VIDEO}
{THE REVIEWS}
- Vintage: 2006
- Winies — SOUTH KOREA — April 2009
- Grant Burge Miambu Shiraz 2006 $ 24.00 the key report- the key review of wines (the know) — April 2009
- wine with Jeff Collerson — May 2009
- Sharing a passion for Australian Wine- Paul Ippolito, May 2009
- Nick Stock — WINE 100, May 2009
- 2010 Australian Wine Companion — James Halliday
- Winewise — Mar 2010
- Vintage: 2005
- Liquor Watch, May 2008
- National Liquor News, April 2008
- James Halliday- 2009 Australian Wine Companion
- Harvey Steinman — Wine Spectator USA October 2008
- 2009 Australian Wine Annual- Jeremy Oliver
- Vintage: 2004
- Huon Hooke/ Bob Campbell MW, October 2007
- John Lewis- Newcastle Herald Nov2007
- Wine Enthusiast- Joe Czerwinski Feb 2008
- James Halliday- 2009 Australian Wine Companion
- Vintage: 2001
- Wine Advocate- Jay Miller November 2007
- Vintage: 2000
- John Fordham, Wine List, Sunday Telegraph NSW January 2006
- Kerry Skinner, Drop of the Week, Illawarra Mercury March 2006
- Ross Noble, Mount Barker Courier June 2006
- Andrew Corrigan MW, Top 100 Wines-Courier Mail Brisbane, June 2006
- Wine Enthusiast USA, Daryna Tobey October 2006
- James Halliday, Wine Companion 2006
- Vintage: 1999
- WInestate, September 2004
- Debbie Southern, Sunshine Coast Daily August 2006
- Vintage: 1998
- Winestate Magazine, March 2002
- Robert Mayne, The Canberra Times, 9th January 2002
- Warwick Randall, Leader Group, 20th February 2002
- Ray Jordan, The West Australian, 6th February 2002
- John Fordham, The Sunday Telegraph, 24th February 2002
- Melissa Parker, National Liquor News, March 2002
- Jeff Gordon, The Melbourne Times, 30th January 2002
- Graeme Andrews, Food Fun Wine Website- February 2002
- David Ellis, The Courier, 16th January 2001
Winies — SOUTH KOREA — April 2009
“ Monthly Hot Item ! Very Impressive wine- black berry and herb aromas, good structure, well balanced and powerful ”
Grant Burge Miambu Shiraz 2006 $ 24.00 the key report- the key review of wines (the know) — April 2009
“ 93 points So very much power from the nose to the long, disappearing tail. It's big in alcohol at 14.5% but that's not really an issue; time is the bigger issue; time is the bigger issue. I think this will drink beautifully when it passes its 10th birthday. I give it 93 (points) nowfor its balance and construction… its fine to taste but not yet to drink. ”
wine with Jeff Collerson — May 2009
“ In 1999 Burge planted Corryton Park vineyard high in SA's Eden Valley, convinced it would yiedl great cabernet. This is the first Shadrach dominated by Corryton Park grapes (70 per cent) and Burge believes it vindicates his faith in the area. 'Corryton Park fruit is leaner, with more up-front berry flavour than you get from lower regions. It is exactly what cabernet sauvignon should be' he says ”
Sharing a passion for Australian Wine- Paul Ippolito, May 2009
“ The Five Minute Wine Rush 93–94 points -Excellent Grant Burge names his finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Shadrach. He sources its grapes mainly from his Corryton Park vineyard- both high and cool in the Barossa (ranges) and then follows this up with winemaking that includes 21 months in French oak. So the overall expectations are quiet high. My view is that is delivers these expectations well and truly. I was impressed with the elegant structure of the wine but in the same breath, its substanxe ie good fruit, no holes on the palate and overall character- ie drinkability. No leanness, tightness and unwieldness here- no, it is pretty much full on from the moment you extract the cork. The impressive intense spicy and distinctive aromas all carry through neatly making their opening remarks. The palate is soft and round yet seriously imparts layers of complexity as the wine evolves with time in the glass… hints of taosty oak follow along with smooth ripe tannins. A good lineal structure at the end marries well with the overall fruit and provides that balanced drinkability that I look for in wines, nd particularly cabernet. Cherries, blackberries, mulberries, blackcurrants and plums all make their appearance in one shape or form. Dark chocolate and liquorice as well along with tealeaf and light prunes. ”
Nick Stock — WINE 100, May 2009
“ 94 Points Burge's top shelf Cabernet sits dark in the glass and has some distinct tarry accents that open up nicely with air to cassis, leaves, leather and underbrush. Dense tannins nicely extrudedthrough the palate carrying briar fruits, cool mint and leaf flavours. Assertive Cab that demands decanting or ageing- preferably both. ”
2010 Australian Wine Companion — James Halliday
“ 90 POINTS A brooding wine, full of rich, ripe and essency cassis fruit; fully proportioned on the palate, similar essency fruit carries right through to the dark, and quite tannic, finish. ”
Winewise — Mar 2010
“ Highly Recommended "The Barossa Valley can produce very classy cabernet sauvignon and this is one of them. The classic blackcurrant varietal character is evident, as are the lashings of oak. Give it cellaring time" ”
Liquor Watch, May 2008
“ Two Classic Reds In celebration of the 20th year for Grant Burge Wines, the annual release of their two-flagship reds have been staged together. The Meshach and the Shadrach are both champions that have envious show records. The 2003 Meshach Shiraz has an intense nose with aromas of white pepper; rich plums as well as hints of sage and thyme. The 2005 Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon is the epitome of Cabernet excellence due to its intense complexity of red berry fruits and blackcurrant overlay. ”
National Liquor News, April 2008
“ Grant Burge has released the latest vintages of its flagship wines- the Meshach, a Shiraz and Shadrach, a Cabernet Sauvignon, which rarely coincide. Now in its 20th year of operations, Grant Burge is releasing the 2003 Meshach and 2005 Shadrach together, which Grant Burge himself has ranked among the finest reds he has made in his 35 plus years of winemaking. The Meshach will retails for $120, while the Shadrach which picked up Best Cabernet Sauvignon at last year's Barossa Wine Show, has an RRP of $55. ”
James Halliday- 2009 Australian Wine Companion
“ Deeper, though less bright colour than the Cameron Vale; fine texture and structure, and very good varietal fruit profile; fine-grained tannins and quality oaK. OUTSTANDING Rating 95 points Drink 2020 ”
Harvey Steinman — Wine Spectator USA October 2008
“ 90 points this fleshy red is generous with its cherry, blackberry and cream flavours hinting at mint and sage as the finish opens up nicely. A styish wine with a seamless feel. Best from 2009 through 2015 ”
2009 Australian Wine Annual- Jeremy Oliver
“ 93points A very stylish, full-flavoured cabernet whose intense, ripe blackberry, cassus, dark plum flavours are tightly knot with pilished nyances of dark chocolate, cedar and vanilla oak. It's scented with violets and dried herbs and its smooth, juicy palate is underpinned by a gravelly, fine-grained backbone of drying tannins, finishing with lingering nuances of game meats and bright, slightly confectionery red fruits. Very complete and balanced. ”
Huon Hooke/ Bob Campbell MW, October 2007
“ Australian Gourmet Traveller 93 points Very deep, dark colour pre-empts a power packed, concentrated wine, with supporting rather than domineering oak and rich, almost chewy tannins. Excellent fruit ripeness and intensity. Cellar 1–12+ years. ”
John Lewis- Newcastle Herald Nov2007
“ **** 1/2 stars Up until now this 2004 wine Grant Burge made his Shadrach wines from 60per cent to 80 per cent Coonawarra grapes. The 2004, however, is Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon with a small merlot and petit verdot component and, although it has 14 per cent alcohol, it displays elegance and complexity. It is dense inky purple and has plum pudding and brandy sauce aromas. Intense blackcurrant flavour dominates the front of the palate and malt and mocha coffee and plum fruit characters combine with nutty oak on the middle palate. Minty tannins integrate with lingering berry fruit at the finish. Try it with chicken Marengo, rack of lamb with Borderlaise sauce or steak tatare. Ageing 10 years ”
Wine Enthusiast- Joe Czerwinski Feb 2008
“ Wine Enthusiast notes ‘Shadrach’ The Elegant side of the Barossa 93 points… ‘A repeat top performer, Grant Burge Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon has previously been a blend of regions, … but because of the strength of the vintage, the 2004 is 100% Barossa…. Coffee, tobacco, cassis and chocolate aromas and flavours give this wine a decent profile, but it retains Cabernets aristocratic structure. It’s round and rich, yet firmly built, picking up tea-like notes on the lengthy finish…’ ”
James Halliday- 2009 Australian Wine Companion
“ Ripe blackcurrant fruit verging on outright sweetness; some chocolate and avnilla notes plus supple tannins Rating 90points Drink 2014 ”
Wine Advocate- Jay Miller November 2007
“ 91 Parker Points The Grant Burge red lineup starts with the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon “Shadrach”. Sixty percent of the fruit was sourced from Coonawarra with the balance from Barossa and Adelaide Hills. Inky purple, it spent 20 months in ‘seasoned French oak and 3 years in bottle prior to release. It gives up an alluring nose of cedar, spice box, red currants, and black currants along with a hint of mint. Layered, ripe, and sweet on the palate, it is drinkable now and will continue to provide pleasure through 2015. ”
John Fordham, Wine List, Sunday Telegraph NSW January 2006
“ Grant Burge’s Shadrach is an iconic cabernet sauvignon intended to be largely driven by fruit from the Barossa Valley where the master winemaker is such a dominant force. But because of challenging vintage conditions in the Barossa in 2000, Burge was forced to look afield to Coonawarra for the majority component of his flagship cabernet. Traditionally, he has used a proportion of Coonawarra cabernet in the blend before but never has it risen to anywhere near the 83 per cent that powers 2000 Shadrach “We had below average rainfall in the Barossa in winter, followed by rains in spring and again in February (2000) which delayed vintage, caused some fruit splitting and even botrytis,” explains Burge. “While the material was stunningly complex, it was a bit too concentrated for Shadrach.” The introduction of a hefty percentage of Coonawarra cabernet provided a “stylish mint, cassis, blackcurrant and capsicum spectrum” that enabled him to maintain Shadrach’s celebrated reputation. The wine’s drinking exceptionally well at present and has cellaring potential of up to 10 years. ”
Kerry Skinner, Drop of the Week, Illawarra Mercury March 2006
“ Complex blend of Barossa and Coonawarra cabernet. Intense black berry fruit flavours, chocolate characters and pronounced mintiness, typical of Coonawarra cabernet. Drink it with herbed rack of lamb but it will get better with time in the bottle. ”
Ross Noble, Mount Barker Courier June 2006
“ Barossa winemaker Grant Burge has tilted the balance in his flagship cabernet sauvignon in favor of Coonawarra for the Grant Burge Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon 2000. Traditionally a blend with Barossa Valley fruit, in 2000 the percentage of Coonawarra rose to 83% because the Barossa cabernet vintage was “hard”. But the Coonawarra cabernet fruit was outstanding in 2000. The classic Coonawarra minty, greenleaf character is more evident but there is still that deep, rich color and mid-palate weight and texture from the Barossa. This cross regional blend is firm yet soft and the finish displays exceptional length. The 2000 Shadrach is drinking exceptionally well now but Grant Burge believes optimum drinking could be around eight years when the mint and cassis flavors integrate with the smoky, savory French oak. ”
Andrew Corrigan MW, Top 100 Wines-Courier Mail Brisbane, June 2006
“ There is lots of fuss for Meshach, the Grant Burge icon Shiraz and the Shadrach can be overlooked. It is a blend from excellent vineyards in the Barossa Valley and Coonawarra and has great length and complex juicy flavours. Rating: 95-Classic ”
Wine Enthusiast USA, Daryna Tobey October 2006
“ 93 points “Tasted alongside other South Australian Cabs, this one is distinguished by its restraint and elegance. The nose has a nice briary quality; the palate has well-integrated tannins, and flavors of red fruit and eucalyptus. Medium in body, and very juicy through the long finish. Delicious now through 2013.” October 2006 ”
James Halliday, Wine Companion 2006
“ Uncertain colour; spice, herb, berry and leaf; overall, reflects the vintage Rating 88 ”
WInestate, September 2004
“ Mid-red in colour. A developed bouquet that still shows attractive primary fruit characters intermingled with spice, cedar and savoury notes ”
Debbie Southern, Sunshine Coast Daily August 2006
“ Traditionally this wine has been a blend of Coonawarra and Barossa fruit. For the 1999 release, fruit from the Adelaide Hills is included. It's a big, stylish cabernet nose of mint and blackcurrant. The blackcurrant characters really shine through on the palate backed by well balanced savour oak. Drink with rack of lamb. ”
Winestate Magazine, March 2002
“ “Strong tarry aromas over ripe fruit. Good flavour depth with a balanced mouthfeel. Depth of red purple colour with some minty extracts lingering on the palate. Soft powdery tannins and smoaky oak fill the palate. 4 stars” ”
Robert Mayne, The Canberra Times, 9th January 2002
“ “There cannot be too many wines from the excellent 1998 vintage left in the pipeline, and if you are into top drawer wines, this is one of them and represents good value. Burge is better known for his shiraz reds, but this is his top cabernet. It’s good too, following the 1996 vintage and priced at the same level…The wine has all of these (big, full-flavoured) characteristics, with excellent structure and plenty of the minty and berry-like characters I expect of a top flight Cabernet. As Burge says, it will certainly keep but, as with most really good reds, it is drinking beautifully right now.” ”
Warwick Randall, Leader Group, 20th February 2002
“ “This big, full-flavoured red has legs that will carry it through the next 15 years without any strain at all. From one of the great vintages of the decade, this blend of Coonawarra and Barossa fruit is seriously underpriced. The rich berry characters have an elegance and strength that follows through on the long finish.Very pleasing indeed.” ”
Ray Jordan, The West Australian, 6th February 2002
“ “It has classic red berry and minty characters of Coonawarra and fine deliciously elegant palate structure. Fruit is the dominant component, though there’s plenty of oak back in there. I like its tight focus. Very good wine, and if things aren’t going to well, open something cheaper and put this one in the cellar for another five years.” ”
John Fordham, The Sunday Telegraph, 24th February 2002
“ “The 1998 has all the stamina of a full-bodied, super-premium red but also the subtle, elegant characters that symbolise a great cabernet.” ”
Melissa Parker, National Liquor News, March 2002
“ “The 1998 vintage of the Grant Burge Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon is a departure from the usual Grant Burge red. Normally blended with an equal proportion of Coonawarra fruit with Barossa fruit, the 1998 vintage has a surprising 81 per cent Coonawarra component. This has made the 1998 Shadrach a big, full-flavoured wine which can mature for 15 years, and yet it has a distinctive cool-climate mintiness on the nose, with berry characters and a little French oak. The wine has great length and a fine tannin backbone.” ”
Jeff Gordon, The Melbourne Times, 30th January 2002
“ “The 1998 Grant Burge shadrach- a first class, over- $50 cabernet- was the highlight of the several reds we drank that night… When I opened the bottle the wine seemed a little dull and musty, but after 90 minutes it blossomed into a rich berry-flavoured red with great depth and a crisp, sustained finish. The wine is very good now but will improve even more in the next five years.” ”
Graeme Andrews, Food Fun Wine Website- February 2002
“ “The palate shows great length and strength of flavour. It’s a big, full flavoured wine that will live at least 15 years, yet it exudes a subtle elegance with subdued French oak and a distinct backbone of fine grain tannins… This is a seriously good wine and at a pretty hefty AUD$45 is not cheap, it will however, deliver an exceptional drinking experience that will bring a smile to your face a few years down the track.” ”
David Ellis, The Courier, 16th January 2001
“ “The 1998 is a big, rich wine with loads of flavour and a lot of distinctive cool-climate mintiness on the nose, more berry-like characters than previous vintages, subdued French oak and distinct fine-grained tannins running through the sweet fruit. Pay around $45 a bottle. That might not sound cheap, but it’s the same for the ’96 when it was released (there was 1997 Shadrach because Burge didn’t believe he had enough quality fruit to maintain the wine’s reputation.). Put the ’98 away for an occasion any time in the next 10 years.” ”
- Grant Burge Wines Pty Ltd · Jacobs Creek, Barossa Valley, South Australia
- website by Michael Major Media