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MAJELLA
Majella started out solely as a
vineyard in Coonawarra about 30 years ago. Since that time, they have developed
a reputation as a legendary contract grower whose grapes cause fierce bidding
wars and that eventually end in some of the better-known Aussie producer's top
wines such as Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet and in the Wynns Michael Shiraz.
However, over the past decade, the Lynn family have allowed their contracts with
the big corporate guys to lapse, reserving the best of their grapes for Majella,
their own label. This is a label that is highly respected in Australia and the
Coonawara is considered one of the premier regions for growing Cabernet
Sauvignon. The Majella wines have dominated the show circuit in Australia for
the past few years, racking up massive numbers of trophies and medals in every
competition in which the wine have been entered.
www.majellawines.com.au
Mallea
2000
$47.99 limited
"In Coonawarra, 2000 was a strong vintage. That is obvious in the quality
of this 2000 Shiraz/Cabernet ?Maleea.? A 520-case blend of 55% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz from 30-year old vines cropped at a mere 1.5 tons of
fruit per acre, it exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color along with a classic
bouquet of cedar wood, creme de cassis, smoke, and licorice. This full-bodied,
textured, concentrated red reveals notions of new oak as well as moderately high
tannin, but it is structured, pure, and impressively balanced. Accessible now,
it promises to evolve for 10-12 years and last 15 or more." 92 Robert
Parker, The Wine Advocate #148
Cabernet Sauvignon
1999
$28.99 limited
"The dense ruby/purple-colored 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet
Sauvignon aged in French oak, of which 60% was new) is Bordeaux-like, offering
up classic aromas of tobacco, spice box, dried herbs, cedar, and black currants.
There is great fruit on the attack, an elegant, medium-bodied style, a graceful
personality, and a long, textured finish revealing sweet tannin. It should drink
well for 10-12 years." 91 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #148
"Bright, juicy and beautifully focused to show its currant, raspberry and
pepper flavors on a supple, seductive frame. All of it echoes on the long
finish. Drink now through 2010." 91 The Wine
Spectator 5/31/02
A Grateful Palate
Selection
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