-
Bottle per case: 6
Margaret River Winery Xanadu is a star on the ascension. As one of Australia’s leading exporters in 2002, Xanadu appears to have a firm grip on the grape. Part of the credit for this dramatic expansion can be attributed to their acquisition of Norman’s Winery, allowing room for Xanadu’s diversification and growth. Xanadu is best known for producing the Lagan Cabernet Reserve which is classified as distinguished in Langton’s classifications. Since founding in 1853 by Jesse Norman who planted his first vines in Adelaide, Normans Wines has developed a reputation for exceptional award winning Australian wines.
The Normans Chais Clarendon Shiraz 1999 is the finest demonstration of this, winning over 20 medals in shows throughout the country, as well as Gold at the prestigious Atlanta Wine Summit. Gold Medal, class 58, Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2002, Gold Medal, class 20, Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2000; are just some of the awards that the Normans Chais Clarendon Shiraz 1999 has received to date.
The Barossa and the McLaren Vale are recognised throughout the world as Australia’s most important Shiraz growing regions. Normans Chais Clarendon Shiraz 1999 was crafted from fruit derived from both regions and blended at the Clarendon Winery. Nestled between the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale in South Australia, the Clarendon winery has been designed to handle many small parcels of premium fruit, thus giving its winemaker, Rebecca Kennedy, great control to handcraft and create this Normans flagship wine.
The Barossa component is sourced from an old vineyard in Tanunda, which in itself is a name that is synonymous with great wines. The yields of these vines are low, which is what gives the wine great intensity of flavour, fruit concentration and depth. The McLaren Vale portion is from 45-year-old vines on the Bakers Gully vineyard which has a history of producing outstanding quality, albeit from very low yielding vines.
-
The Normans Chais Clarendon Shiraz 1999 is the epitome of super premium shiraz, -shiraz that has made Australia famous throughout the world and especially in America.
COLOUR:
Dark red with purple hues.
NOSE:
Shows sweet rich liquorice, blackberry and cherry aromas with hints of vanilla from well-integrated oak. Nutmeg and a trace of white pepper add to the complexity of this elegant and attractive wine
PALATE:
The palate is powerful yet refined. Intense sweet flavours of blackberry and plum, combining with inky choc-mint and aniseed, fill the mouth. Subtle oak-derived coconut and cinnamon add complexity to the wine, which finishes with excellent length and lingering sweet fruit making its 14.5 alcohol unnoticeable.
This is a wine that will start to show its full capabilities with at least five years of cellaring and continue to evolve and thrive for another seven after that.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD TASTING NOTES
-
McLaren Vale has the warmth and feel of a country town, with the distinct advantage of being 40 minutes from South Australia’s Capital city, Adelaide.
McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s renowned wine regions, famous for producing some the best wines in the world, and with over 65 cellar doors. The region is thriving, and the energy and passion of the local community is infectious.
The region’s artisans are passionate about the food, wine and culture of the area, and this is evidenced in the genuine hospitality offered by McLaren Vale’s tourism operators.
The area is only minutes away from the stunning coastline and beaches that influence so much of our lifestyle, culture and primary production. Our neighbouring townships – Willunga, Aldinga, Port Noarlunga offer visitors a unique experience rich in history, artisan craftsmanship and culture.
