2004 Brini Sebastian Shiraz

Opinionated enthusiasts are to be found everywhere in the wine industry and that’s healthy for debate and diversity of tastes and styles, but, increasingly the voices of diversity are being silenced by big businesses seeking to commoditise wine. Management and marketing consultant, Karen Goldspink, has prepared a learned and rather alarming view of the future of the Australian and Global Wine Industry. Her paper is available to read in full at www.nicks.com.au. She writes, “The duopoly of the major supermarket chains in conjunction with immense multi-national wine companies have moved in the last decade towards the commoditisation of wine. The aim being to make wine another bottom line profit driven FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Good)'. Goldspink examines the current discounting war that is touted as a “boon for consumers”. In the short term it may appear to to be just that. However, in the long term, she believes that its impact upon the wine industry and the Australian economy will be detrimental. Goldspink takes the view that wine is a civilised beverage, which is generally served with food and is different to other alcoholic beverages. “I think that the industry in general is now seeing the effect of the fermented grape, rather than the individuality of taste, as a result of individual winemaking approaches and terroir. Today, more than ever, the wine industry is in need of maintaining its diversity of players – from growers, winemakers, distributors and retailers. This is essential in order to prevent the Australian wine industry from being a producer of bland commercial wines'. Nicks Wine Merchants and its publishing arm, Vintage Direct, have for decades been at the forefront in launching and promoting the great wines from many small to medium sized producers, giving them free publicity via our large customer base. The criteria for success and selection are based on outstanding quality and value for money. We continue our approach by promoting a tiny South Australian winery – 'Brini'.

Sebastiano Brini arrived in Australia in 1950, speaking no English, with a suitcase and five pounds to his name. Within three years, he had saved enough money to buy a soldier settlement in Blewitt Springs, a sub-region of McLaren Vale. Two thirds of the property was dedicated to dairy cattle, whilst the final third was planted out to Shiraz vines. Located in close proximty to some of Clarendon Hills top vineyards, the site selected by the original owner may have been due to good fortune rather than science. The vineyard is planted at two hundred metres above sea level and one hundred fifty metres above the McLaren Vale valley floor. The cooler climate, due to the elevation, produces wines of force, elegance and concentration. In the past, fruit from the Brini vineyard was sold off to some of the districts' top producers such as Penfolds & d'Arenberg. Today the Brini vineyard is managed by Sebastiano’s sons, John and Marcello, and reflects the spirit that Australia offers all its citizens: In reward for hard work - success, and the ability to become competitive on a global scale, whilst retaining individuality of character.

“skilled winemaking, coupled with impeccable fruit sources has resulted in a new star in the McLaren Vale firmament.”
- James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008 Edition

This is a classic 'joosy' McLaren Vale Shiraz. Produced from old low yielding vines planted in 1947, the wine was matured in a combination of French & American oak for 18 months and given a further 18 months bottle age before release.

Totally opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. The nose is a delight, with top note of liquorice, followed by ripe plum, confectionary and spice. The palate has excellent weight and classic McLaren Vale joosy character. This is a perfectly balanced red. Layers of liquorice, mocha, vanilla and confectionary fill the mouth. On the back palate, flavours of spice, black pepper and vanilla. Fine grained tannins. Very long, spicy, vanilla, plum and black pepper aftertaste. A superb old vine McLaren Vale Shiraz at an extraordinary price.
Cellar 3-4 years (2010-2011)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%

Other Reviews…
Another dimension of depth and power; luscious, perfectly ripened blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate; positive French/Amercian oak support, but does not threaten the fruit.
Drink 2024
95 points
- James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2007 Edition