|
MARQUIS PHILIPS
"Two
of South Australia?s leading viticulturists/winemakers are undoubtedly husband
and wife Sarah and Sparky Marquis. Their goals are common sense ones of
?creating fruit weight, velvety sensations, and harvesting on ripeness, not
sugar readings.? Perhaps their finest accomplishment has been to prove that
high quality wines can be produced at a price point that thrills most wine
consumers. Perhaps another way to think of these wines is that they are XXX-rated
stuff. They?re not exactly wines for those wanting finesse, lightness,
restraint, or intellectual challenge. These are totally decadent homages to joy
and yumminess. Or, as a friend of mine said, they are ?fragrantly
delicious.? Robert Parker,
The Wine Advocate
Sparky
& Sarah Marquis
Holly?s
Blend
Named
after our their year old daughter, this wine is a 100% McLaren Vale grown
Verdelho which underwent eight different types of fermentation. These were
barrel ferments in French and American Oak with both wild and cultured yeast,
hot and cold barrel ferments and hot and cold tank ferments. This was carried
out to achieve the maximum complexity possible within the wine. The wine was
also aged in barrels and monitored closely so the levels of oak would not be
obvious and definable, but become a complexing factor to the wine. The
wine has a lifted, aromatic nose, which reminds you of pineapples, citrus and
lime fruits. The palate is fresh and crisp, and is textured with lots of fruit
that fills your entire palate. The mouthfeel of this wine is creamy, rounded and
has a long lasting balanced finish.
2003 SOLD OUT
Sarah's Blend
The
fruit for this wine comes from Padthaway 43%, Fleurieu Peninsula 31%, McLaren
Vale 23% and Riverland 3%. The wine is a blend between Shiraz 62%, Cabernet 20%
and Merlot 18%. Ages of the vines are between 4 to 6 years, averaging 4
tons/acre. The wine was matured in 50% new, 25% 1-yr old and 25% 2-yr old oak,
with 25% being French and 75% super fine grain American oak. This
is a beautiful integration of the three varieties. It?s a joy to experience
and taste the earthy spicy Merlot characters, the leafy berry fruits and firm
structure from the Cabernet, and the chocolate and plum Shiraz flavors to
finish. This harmony gives you a wine that is balanced, complex and has lots of
fruit.
2003 SOLD OUT
"Combining power with elegance, the deep ruby / purple sarah's
Blend displays a high yu7mmy factor along with loads of smoky vanilla,
licorice, fig, plum, black currant and spice box notes. This juicy,
succulent, medium to full bodied 2003 possesses surprising texture,
depth and length. These is not a hard edge to be found, so it can be
enjoyed over the next 2-3 years." 91 Robert Parker, The Wine advocate #155
Cabernet
Sauvignon
2003 SOLD OUT
"More
evolved Cabernet than the 2002. Its dark ruby color is followed by
classic notes of tobacco leaf, creme de cassis and a touch of toasty,
smoky oak. With a medium bodied, supple finish, it should drink well
for 3-4 years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155
Merlot
The
fruit for this wine comes from Padthaway 63%, McLaren Vale 31%, and Fleurieu
Peninsula 6%. Ages of the vines are between 4 to 6 years, averaging 4 tons/acre.
The wine was matured in 50% 1yr old and 50% 2yr old oak, with 20% being French
and 80% fine grain American oak.
2003 SOLD OUT
"The sexy, plump, seductive,
medium bodied Merlot offers aromas and flavors of mocha, bay leaves and
berry fruit in a soft, supple textured style." Robert Parker, The Wine
Advocate
Shiraz
The
fruit for this wine comes from Padthaway 29%, McLaren Vale 23%, Fleurieu
Peninsula 36% and Riverland 12%. Ages of the vines are between 4 to 6 years,
averaging 4 tons/acre. The wine was matured in 55% new fine grain American, 44%
1-yr old fine grain American and 1% new French oak. This
wine will amaze you. It?s a bomb of fruit, concentrated and layered with
blackcurrant and spice aromatics. The palate has chocolate and licorice
characters and its structure is strong and firm. The wine has lovely oak flavors
and a long finish.
2002
SOLD OUT
"Ripe,
juicy, fleshy. Dark ruby / purple colored, with blackberry, charcoal
and fig characteristics, this medium to full bodied, potent,
mouthfilling red can be enjoyed over the next 2-4 years." Robert
Parker, The Wine Advocate #155
Shiraz 9
2003 $38.99
"A
flamboyant, opaque purple colored, full bodied effort revealing notes
of espresso roast, chocolate, smoked meats and toasty American oak.
Fleshy, full throttle, pure and intensely concentrated, it is a classic
South Australian Shiraz to enjoy during the first 7-8 years of life." 93 Robert parker, The Wine Advocate #155
A Grateful Palate
Selection
|
