Monasticism and viticulture have often gone hand in hand, each playing a significant role in Western civilisation. St. Benedict of Nursia (c.407-547) was first to divide a monks day into three parts - prayer, study and manual labour, with an emphasis on agriculture based upon the hallowed trinity of corn, oil and wine. 'The Measure of Drink' was naturally a consideration for Benedict: 'We are hesitant in deciding how much others should eat or drink' he wrote. 'Keeping in mind the weakness of the less robust, we consider that half a pint of wine is sufficient for everyone.'
The Society of Jesus (a.k.a. the Jesuits) arrived in the Clare Valley in 1848, settling at Sevenhill and by 1852 were already planting vines. Initially their produce was reserved for sacramental wine, however, later red and white wines as well as brandy were being made for lay consumption. We are indeed fortunate that today the Jesuit Brothers at Sevenhill are going from strength to strength with a portfolio of wines that is consistently excellent and at times utterly brilliant. This remarkable value red was produced from 70 - 100+ year old vines and made by Liz Heidenreich. Prior to joining Sevenhill as their first female winemaker, Liz undertook vintages at Wirra Wirra in McLaren Vale and at Sir Cliff Richard’s estate in Portugal!
Already rated 95 points, this wine is destined to improve considerably. Patience! But what glorious rewards await!
Saturated opaque black purple colour with purple crimson hue, showing excellent cling to the sides of the glass. The nose is very youthful with aromas of freshly crushed blackberries and plums, spice and liquorice allsorts. Youthful inky palate flavours, almost like tasting a barrel sample. Concentrated ripe inky blackberry, liquorice and dark plum flavours followed by spice and black pepper on the back palate – all the ingredients for a top wine, just needing time to evolve. Excellent length. Fine grained tannins with long aftertaste of blackberry, liquorice and spice.
Cellar 4-5 years (2014-2015)
15.0% Alc
Other Reviews......
Good colour; vivid purple hue; deep, dark and inky bouquet, with blackberry and liqueur cherry on offer; the palate is dense and chewy, with tarry tannin offsetting the generous fruit; a big wine, made very well, and given the dimensions of the wine and the 100 year old vines, amazing value. Screwcap.
15% alc. Drink 2025 Date Tasted Jan 10
Rating 94
James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion
|