Bellefontaine Shiraz 2013

The Oc, or ‘Pays d’Oc’ as you’ll see it on most labels, refers to the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, known by the French as ‘Le Midi’. Planted here are both traditional grape varieties such as Grenache Gris (which makes very fine rosé) and Grenache Noir (try Pasquiers for a full-bodied flavoursome find); as well as the ‘cépages améliorateurs’ (varieties introduced in the last twenty to thirty years) such as Syrah and Merlot for reds, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc for whites. Eric Monnin, Boutinot’s winemaker responsible for the Languedoc, is constantly on the look-out for producers who have hidden gems, visiting domains, seeking out new parcels as well as counselling winemakers before the harvest on for example, softening harsh tannins in reds or retaining acidity and expressing aromatics in whites. Then once the grapes have been picked, vinified and the wines barely finished, he tastes these ‘brut de cuve’ wines intensively and repeatedly over the next six months in collaboration with Samantha Bailey and Kim Tidy to select and blend the styles we seek and decide on their maturation.

Made from Vin de Pays sourced from the Languedoc region in the south of France, the Bellefontaine range has established an international reputation for consistent quality and value. Every year Boutinot winemakers select only quality parcels of wine from different estates and producers, each contributing key components to the finished blend. Bellefontaine wines possess fine aromatics, pure fruit expression, fresh acidity, varietal character and above all, a persistent finish. The goal is to create a range of wines of consistent quality that are delicious to drink on their own but also complement food well.

Conquest McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014

Sourced from a single vineyard at the Southern end of the renown McLaren Vale Wine Region the wine was fermented in small open top stainless steel fermenters to retain concentrated fleshy fruit flavours. To complete the fermentation process and maturation the wine went into new and older oak hogshead and barrique barrels for 12 months. The use of oak has allowed the characters to infiltrate the highly concentrated fruit flavour creating a well-balanced yet complex tannin structure.

Normans Old Vines McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Sourced from two vineyards with vines aging from 34-65 years of age located in the north and south of McLaren Vale. The wine was fermented in small open top fermenters. A small parcel underwent fermentation in barrel to add another layer of oak complexity whilst working harmoniously with the fruit flavour profile. To complete the maturation process the wine went into seasoned American and French hogshead barrels with a small percentage of new oak for a period of 14 months. This enabled the oak to slowly infiltrate the highly concentrated fruit flavour creating a well-balanced yet complex tannin structure.

Niche Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The fruit was picked in the cool of night then fermented on skins in static potters and rotary fermenters for a period of six days to create a good balance between extracting the appropriate tannin for wine structure and retaining fruit drive and aromatics. Following the pressing process, clarification and final blending the fruit was matured with select parcels having contact with old French and American oak.

Tanunda Hill Reserve Barossa Valley Merlot 2014

The 2014 season was generally warm which allowed the grapes to ripen well and develop bold, strong flavours. A soft and smooth Barossa Merlot classically made with some extended skin contact to soften the palate. This wine matured in older American oak barrels for 15 months to allow the fruit aromas to develop and the tannins to naturally soften.

Yabber And Sons Shiraz 2014 

An Australian Shiraz classically made with some extended skin contact to soften the palate. This wine was matured in older American oak to allow the fruit aromas to develop and tannins to naturally soften.