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2001 Henry's Drive Reserve Shiraz

Padthaway, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen
Cellar: 5 - 8 Years (2008-2011)
ABV: 15%
Closure: Cork
ELECTRICALLY CHARGED RED VINUOUS POWER FROM 2001 HENRY’S DRIVE – A TRIUMPH FOR SPARKY!

One of the most exciting new developments on the Australian Wine scene – ‘electrically charged’ you might say – has been the creation of Henry’s Drive wines. The wines are made by the dynamic husband and wife team, Sparky & Sarah Marquis, who were responsible for the creation of Fox Creek wines in McLaren Vale.
Henry’s Drive vineyards are located in Padthaway and owned by the Longbottom family, third generation farmers and viticulturalists.
The region is a picturesque plain approximately 80 km North of Coonawarra in South Australia, and was first settled in 1847 by Robert Lawson. Padthaway’s climate is Mediterranean while its soils consists of red brown earth over clay and limestone; as unique as Coonawarra’s own world famous ‘terra rossa’ and rendzina soils. The population of Padthaway remains tiny, with 218 residents. Conversely, 3500 hectares (nearly 9000 acres) are planted under vine and oddly enough, the region also produces 8500 tonnes of onions annually! It was not until 1963, when Karl Seppelt purchased land just South of Padthaway that the region became established as a grape growing district proper. Soon after, in 1968 Lindemans and Hardys followed Seppelt’s lead, and today Australia’s leading wine companies either own vineyards or purchase grapes from the district. The ‘electric excitement’ associated with Henry’s Drive Wines all began at Roseworthy Agricultural College. It was there, on their first day that Sparky and Sarah fell in love at first sight. The partnership has since been a huge success.

There is an aspect of the couple’s winemaking that never fails to excite and their motto has been to create wines that incite a “Wow!” response. The 2001 Henrys Drive Reserve Cabernet and Reserve Shiraz are very much “Wow” wines, supercharged with the electric exuberance and voluptuous flavour that Sparky and Sarah seem to deliver on such a consistent basis. Inspiration and perspiration are their allies, with the final results being a summation of their winemaking philosophy which states that 90% of the quality of wine is a direct result of vineyard practise, with the balance determined by vision, planning and emotional commitment. This month we have chosen to run both the Reserve reds for the Vintage Direct front cover due to their exceptional quality. It’s not that we can’t make up our minds, it’s that they are both winemaking triumphs.

THE 2001 VINTAGE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA SURPASSES EVEN THE GREAT 1998 VINTAGE!
THE RESULT IS A PAIR OF OPULENT, SUPER CONCENTRATED FRUIT BOMBS & A COLLECTOR’S MUST!

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2001 vintage conditions in Padthaway were very hot, necessitating very strict vineyard management programs. The timely application of water, minimising vine stress during flowering and variason are vital in order to maximise flavour profile, and avoid overripe fruit or jammy character. The 2001 Reserve Shiraz was matured in 100% new American oak for 12 months using a variety of toast levels, thus creating additional layers of flavour complexity.

Tasting Notes: A wine of incredible power & concentration. The 2001 Henry’s Drive wines are further testament to the greatness of the spectacular 2001 vintage. Deep purple black opaque colour with oil like viscosity. Perfumed nose displaying aromas of blackberry, plum, vanilla, confectionary, liquorice, and spice. The palate is an opulent explosion of rich ripe fruit – super saturated with a thick, creamy, silky-smooth, almost oil like texture. The wine displays a degree of voluptuousness, opulence, power and liqueur like concentration that only the dynamic winemaking team Sparky & Sarah Marquis can deliver. Flavours of blackberry, plum, liquorice, confectionary, spice, toasty oak and pepper. Fine grained velvet smooth tannins with very long blackberry, pepper and confectionary aftertaste.
A blockbuster Shiraz and stunning follow up to the exceptional 2000 Reserve Shiraz.
Cellar 5-8 years. (2008-2011)
Alc/Vol: 15.0%.