As we are still getting over the fantastic Cricket World Cup 2019 and the glorious win for England, we are still not finished as the Ashes series looms. As they say the one aim of English Cricket is to beat the Aussies. With that in mind what better to sit back and enjoy the action unfold with this stunning wine made by two former English Ashes legends Bob Willis and Ian Botham. Enjoy!!!
About the Producers
Ian Botham and Bob Willis are two of the biggest names in the modern era of world cricket, both having captained England. Geoff Merrill’s reputation on the international wine stage is equally impressive. A mutual passion for their respective professions, cricket and wine, drew them together during the English tour of Australia in 1978. Since then a lasting friendship has developed over many bottles opened and balls bowled.
Winemaker Geoff Merrill has an enviable record as a winemaker and show judge spanning some 25 years. Geoff Merrill was born in 1953 and was raised on a sheep station in the far north of South Australia until he was 11 years old. The Merrill family then moved to the Barossa Valley, just north of Adelaide, where Geoff`s first links with the wine industry were formed. Following his `apprenticeship` at Chateau Reynella, in 1985 he purchased the historic Mount Hurtle winery. His talents were recently rewarded when he received the legendary Jimmy Watson Trophy, probably Australia`s most prestigious wine award.
About the region
Maclaren Vale is located just a 30 minute drive south east of Adelaide and parallel to the coast, these rolling hillside vineyards produce some of Australia`s finest Shiraz and Grenache based red wines. Some of the areas historic old wineries were established in the late 1800s and many remain today. With a strong regional identity on the international stage, the wines have a distinctive style and subtlety achieved from a combination of very warm summers, mild winters and cooling sea breezes. Many of Australia`s most famous and expensive wines have their vineyard origins within this region.
Tasting Notes
This stunning full bodied and spicy shiraz shows very deep rich colours and concentrated aromas of dark berry fruits and liquorice with subtle vanilla notes from the oak ageing. Well balanced acid, firm tannins and good length and intensity of flavour ensures this wine drinks well today yet will benefit from more cellaring. Howzat for a great wine!!!
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
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