1992 Zuber Estate Pink Cliffs Shiraz

The front page of Vintage Direct has always been reserved for anextraordinary wine, and in many cases the vineyard and winemakerare well known. However, that does not mean that Vintage Directwill not get behind a small unknown producer that is strivingfor excellence; after all, an interest in wine is a path ofdiscovery. This month we are pleased to offer an exceptional redat a price we believe is equally exceptionally modest.Albino Zuber is a solid, gentle, quietly spoken 70 year old whostill works the soil - the first time you meet Albino you knowthat he is a man of the soil - he understands the earthintuitively - no text books here - just generations of commonsense has taught him to have deep respect for the land and itsharvest. His hands show it, his face shows it. Albino hasanother quality - humility, a trait sadly lacking in many of ourprima donna winemakers. Albino understands that he is only acaretaker - a facilitator who works in harmony with nature.Zuber is a farmer, not an accountant grower.A MAGNIFICENT WINE AND ALREADY A CONTENDER FOR WINE OF THE YEARThe vineyard is located 1km west of Heathcote on undulatingterra rossa soil. The vineyard is not irrigated and only organicfertiliser is used. It is in balance with nature and this isclearly reflected in the quality of his wines. Albino gave upmaking his own wine years ago - he realised that others werebetter equipped to do the job and thus concentrates ondelivering the best possible fruit. The 1992 vintage was made bythe exceptionally talented Don Lewis of Mitchelton.Tasting Notes: This is an exceptional red and by far the bestthat has come from the Zuber vineyards. Deep crimson purplecolour, opaque. The nose is outstanding and immediately signalsgreat expectations. Intense peppery blackberries dominate, veryconcentrated aromas, indicating a low yielding crop. The palateis mouthfilling with voluptuous flavours of blackberry spice,liquorice and peppers - quite superb. The tannins are in perfectharmony - fine grained and lift the back palate to create aprolonged and concentrated aftertaste. This is the sort ofShiraz that has made Heathcote famous. Exceptional value formoney. Cellar up to 10 years.\Z