Barr-Eden 2010 Eden Valley Shiraz Mataro Grenache
Region: Eden Valley SA | $35
Bob McLean is a big man, both physically and in spirit. His legendary marketing skills have been put to excellent use over the years by the likes of Orlando, Petaluma and St Halletts.
A few years ago, Bob and his wife Wilma ‘retired’ to a small farm perched at the windswept top of Menglers Hill, right on the dividing line between the Barossa and Eden Valleys.
There they have planted 6144 vines in their Barr-Eden vineyard.
The vines here look different to most of those in the area, and for good reason. Bob claims he’s the first in the Barossa for about 45 years to plant and train his vines as self-supporting bushes rather than on trellises, just as the valley’s European founders did in the 1850s.
He admits these bush vines aren’t as efficient in terms of manpower as more modern systems, but reckons they produce better fruit.
Tasting this gorgeous, full-bodied red, blended very much in the style of the Rhone Valley, certainly backs his claim.Its rich, soft, velvety flavours dance seductively on the tongue and linger long after swallowing.
It would make the perfect accompaniment to another of the McLeans’ ventures — grazing some pretty rare sheep that are a cross between demara, an African desert breed, and dorper, in turn a cross between dorset and persian breeds. The result is renowned for the leanness of its meat and is part of the couple’s commitment to an extremely proud local food culture.
Phone 08 8564 3340 or visitwww.mcleansfarm.com
— JOHN ROZENTALS*
*John Rozentals is a Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) graduate.
Samples for tasting and review should be addressed to John Rozentals, PO Box 3484, Rhodes 2138.
