2012 Shadowfax Minnow

The Shadowfax Winery is located at Werribee, half way between Melbourne and Geelong and although too far north to be technically included in the Geelong region, it more or less is still included in that G I region. Its first vines were planted in 1998 and the winery's inaugural release of the Minnow wine was 2011, a blend more common in South Australia than Victoria.  

The attractively labelled Minnow is a quintessential autumn wine. A blend of 40% Carignan, 21% Grenache, 21% Cinsault and 18% Mataro, it invites comparisons to the reds of the south of France. Rustic yet charismatic. The thought of a cool and sunny afternoon, a patio with friends, autumn leaves and a glass or two of this delicious wine is not lost on me.

The colour is ruby red. Dark fruits, white pepper and cured meats on the nose. Savoury aromatics with some sweet licorice notes.
Light- to medium-weighted savoury wine that is all Carignan dark plum fruit and dried herbs on entry. Smoke notes reflect time in French hogsheads. A juicy smooth mid-palae of warm tang and zippy acid supports brooding raspberry, pepper, earth and meat flavours. All four varieties integrate together well and the dusty moderate tannins add to the overall enjoyment. Drinkable to the extreme. Recommended.  

Source: Gift. ABV: 13.1%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $25.00. Rating: 91 Points.

Website: http://www.shadowfax.com.au/home/w1/i2/

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