E s t a t e G r o w n F a m i l y O w n e d Newsletter - September 07 the press With the vines now dormant and things a little quieter at the winery, Welcome we look back on a tremendous 12 months for Thorn-Clarke Wines. This past year showed plenty of wine show success and positive reviews from a swag of reputable international wine writers. Highlights include Best Wine at Show, in Hobart for the 2005 Shotfire Quartage/Cuvee, consecutive 5Hwinery ratings by James Halliday, for the 2005 Shotfire Shiraz and 91 points for the 2005 Shotfire Quartage/ Cuvee from Wine Spectator (USA). The new barrel shed is now fully operational and our treasured wines are settling in well to their new home. This establishment will allow for greater control over the maturation of our wines. We are also very proud to report that the Nebbiolo has settled well into our portfolio and we are seeing a strong increase in demand for this wine as awareness for the variety grows. A big thank you to those who have visited us at cellar door and we look forward to welcoming all of you in the future. Sam Clarke and Family. William Randell 2005 Limited Release Packs With the ongoing success of the William Randell Shiraz and the upcoming release of possibly our best yet, the 2005 vintage, we felt it appropriate to reward this brand by giving it a face lift. This beauty will be made exclusively available as a pre-release to our domestic mailing list customers and cellar door visitors from December 2007 in a limited release wooden 6-pack. The 750mL 6-pack will be sold for $294.00 (only 15 available), with boxed magnums for $98.00 (only 10 available) and boxed 3L bottles for $196.00 (only 5 available). William Randell will be released to the general public in late January so order now to ensure you are allocated some of this iconic Barossa brand. The new barrel shed at Milton Park Winemaker, Derek Fitzgerald makes sure the barrels arrive safely. Captain William Richard Randell Come and visit our cellar door for new release tastings. Open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Shotfire Range Explodes Our Shotfire range has expanded to include two white wines, a Barrel fermented Pinot Gris and an oaked Chardonnay. These wines are richer and fuller than their Sandpiper/ Terra Barossa counterparts, and are currently only produced in very small quantities. We expect to increase our production in line with the popularity we are noticing. Line priced with the Shotfire range, we have continued to produce premium quality wines at exceptional value for money. Both the Shotfire Pinot Gris and Chardonnay wines are barrel aged and see an extended period on lees to give them a more savoury flavour and round, mouth filling body. 2007 Vintage Wrap Up The 2007 vintage in the Barossa as with many regions around Australia was scarce. In the Barossa this is certainly not attributed to quality, but to yields, with estimated average crops down 40%. Despite this, winemakers are predicting that 2007 wines will be of great quality. Barrels of Laughs at Vintage Festival 2007 A big thank you to those who made it to Barrels of Laughs at the 2007 Vintage Festival. I am sure you all had as much fun making wine the old fashioned way as we did watching you do it! I do apologies to those not able to restore the colour of their leg hairs and hope purple legs have not caused too much embarrassment lucky the weather has been cool enough to wear trousers! Winemaker Derek Fitzgerald, upon sampling the footstomp blend took three days off work (I m told for annual leave) and then stated The Cabernet Shiraz blend from Barrels of Laughs at the 2007 Vintage Festival, fermented well and is integrating well with the oak. We should see some great quality come from this Australian benchmark style come the release in early 2008. For those of you who missed out on the festivities, I invite you to log on to our website (www.thornclarkewines.com) and see what we got up to over the Easter long weekend. I also ask that you don t despair, as we will be back to do it all over again for Barrels of Laughs at Vintage Festival 2009. It was just a matter of time before nature stepped in to correct the grape glut we have experienced over the past few years. The major factors affecting yield in the Barossa were the drought, frost during budburst and some heavy rain toward the end of January which split grapes. Thankfully we did not see smoke taint from bushfires as with our counterparts in the east! We may even get to take holidays this time next year! COMPETITION We are running a competition to name the wine made at Barrels of Laughs 2007. Put on your thinking caps as the most creative and appropriate name entered for our traditionally made Vintage Festival wine will be awarded a mixed dozen, comprising of the 2003, 2004 and 2005 vintage Shotfire Quartage wines. Please submit your entry to thornclarke@thornclarke.com.au by 30 September 2007. Competition is only open to Australian residents aged over 18 years. Owen Andrews & family help with the stomp. The old Bedford vineyard truck. If you have any queries regarding our wines please log on to our website www.thornclarkewines.com
Sandpiper/Terra Barossa Merlot s Long Awaited Return The vineyard and winery teams are excited to see the return of one of their undisputed favourites - the Sandpiper/Terra Barossa Merlot. We first produced this straight varietal from the 2004 vintage, with this wine going on to win best Merlot at the 2005 Royal Hobart Wine Show. The 2006 vintage is now ready and drinking superbly, but get in quick as we will be sure to get samples back over the Tasman to the 2007 Royal Hobart Wine Show. Born to Blend - Derek the Winemaker Derek Fitzgerald has held down the winemaking position at Thorn- Clarke since midway through the 2003 vintage, working in Lo Creek, Frankland River (WA) and Hunter Valley prior to this. Introducing more complexity in the winery and opting to pick grapes fractionally earlier than the previous winemaker, Derek has brought the Thorn-Clarke range a long way in little time. Shotfire, James Goddard and The Lady Alice Mine When Clarke ancestor James Goddard discovered gold in 1870 in the Barossa at the Lady Alice mine, so began a family dynasty intrigued by geology. Since this, we have diversified from digging for treasured metals to producing treasured fruit but we still have the same goal in mind... gold and lots of it! Since first releasing the Shotfire wines back in 2002 we have been awarded 10 trophies (9 in the past two vintages) and pans of gold. James Goddard was an ambitious character who grabbed at opportunities as they presented themselves. Having migrated from England in the 1850 s, he moved to the Barossa during the gold rush of the late 1870 s, developing the Lady Alice Mine in search of riches. Living in the mine manager s hut (see below), James oversaw the development of the mine and instructed the workers in their daily tasks. Much of the Lady Alice mine is still in existence and public access is now granted following ownership being transferred from a private holding to the Parra Wirra National Park. For those interested in the history of South Australia a trip to the mine site should be considered. For further information on Shotfire, James Goddard and the Lady Alice Mine, please visit us at Cellar Door. Derek takes pride in his ability to blend unique parcels which complement each other in the final wines, the 2005 Quartage coming from 29 separate batches for example. Derek has not only been the man behind the juice, but has also been heavily involved in clone selection for new plantings, planning of the barrel shed and winery, and also undertakes sales trips throughout the world. When time prevails for annual leave, Derek loves to head back to Bateman s Bay on the south coast of NSW and take to a spot of fishing with friends and relatives. James Goddard s (mine manager) hut New Face and Congratulations to Alyssa Alyssa Stephens joined us back at the beginning of this year and has since accepted the position of Production and Logistics Coordinator. She has slotted comfortably into this role and has been doing a great job over the past two months. This job shuffle came about following the resignation of Amanda Eglinton who left to pursue her dream. Katrina Thomas has also joined us here at the TC Team, stepping into the role of Head Office Administration Officer. She is responsible for day to day reception duties as well as supporting the accounts department. We wish her all the best in her new role. Come and visit our cellar door for new release tastings. Open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
sandpiper wines Thorn-Clarke NV Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay This crisp, refreshing style sparkling has undergone extended yeast maturation, resulting in a savoury backbone to a strawberry, kiwi fruit and guava palate. Drink to celebrate a special occasion or as an aperitif at the end of the day. Cellar Door / Direct Price $150 / Dozen 2006 Sandpiper Riesling Sourced entirely from our cool climate, single vineyard site in the Eden Valley, this zesty, citrus wine is a beauty on a warm summer evening. Grapes are hand picked and treated delicately in order to create a wine true to the vineyard site. 2006 Sandpiper Pinot Gris This style is becoming ever more popular as people discover the fresh but round nature of the fruit. Served with shellfish and naturally oily fish, or as a quaffer with snacks during the day, this wine will please even the pickiest of wine lovers. 2006 Sandpiper Chardonnay Lightly oaked, with a refreshing fruit drive, this wine undergoes extended yeast maturation as with the sparkling. With dominant nuances of white peach and tropical fruits and a nutty length this wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to five years. 2005 Sandpiper The Blend Predominantly Shiraz (45%) with Petit Verdot (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Cabernet Franc (5%), this wine exhibits Christmas pudding characters on the nose with a spicy lift courtesy of the Petit Verdot. A full flavoured palate with cherry, plums and hints of liquorice/aniseed. Tannins are soft and silky complementing the dark chocolate oak and creamy mouthfeel. The plummy fruit and oak combine to give some great richness and length. 2006 Sandpiper Shiraz Showcasing the heritage of the Barossa, our Shiraz shows exceptional value for money. Ripe blackberry and plums with a hint of vanillan oak on the nose, these complexities carry through to the palate showcasing raspberries and dark chocolate, vanillan oak tannins. 2006 Sandpiper Cabernet Sauvignon 12 months on tight grain French oak has led to a liquorice and dark chocolate with a blackberry nose. The palate exhibits capsicum on the front leading to blackberries and Satsuma plums with rich mocha and Indian spices. Rich and rounded mouth feel finishes long. A real winner with rosemary lamb and medium rare steak. Purchase our wines at direct prices - www.thornclarkewines.com - (08) 8564 3034 - or in person at cellar door.
2006 Sorriso Rose Our Rose is back following a break in the 2005 vintage. This wine exhibits tropical fruit characters both on the nose and palate before lengthening out to a more traditional rose finish. Blindfolded you could be led to believe that this Cabernet Nebbiolo blend is in fact a Sauvignon Blanc. This wine will partner a vast array of occasions, think a cricket bat at the beach or an alfresco picnic in the local park. Morello Nebbiolo shotfire wines 2006 Shotfire Chardonnay Our version of this great varietal comes from the St Kitts vineyards, a warm climate region of the Barossa, which mimics the traditional North Italian microclimate. On the palate expect to see rose petal and cherry with savoury fruit and great structure. A food friendly drop which we are yet to hear negative feedback on. Another new player in our portfolio. Produced for the US and Dutch markets this wine is an example of what has put Australian Chardonnay s on the world map. Plenty of peach, cream and new French oak, partnered with a long nutty finish, leaves the palate craving another mouthful. A real contrasting style to the Sandpiper Chardonnay. Cellar Door / Direct Price $220.00 / Dozen 2005 Shotfire Quartage william randell 2004 William Randell Shiraz Off the back of the 2005 Adelaide Wine Show results, our winemaker had a lot to live up to with the 2005 Quartage, but we believe he has produced a better wine. Comprising of the same Bordeaux varieties as the 2004 and receiving the same oak care, we have created another well balanced Quartage which is very approachable at a young age, but will reward the patient taster. Expect to pickup on blackcurrant, plum and Christmas pudding notes. We have just been awarded trophies for Best Blended Red and Best Wine at Show in the 2006 Hobart Wine Show. Cellar Door / Direct Price $220.00 / Dozen 2005 Shotfire Shiraz 2003 #18 Wine in the World, 2004 3 domestic wine show trophies, 2005 eagerly awaiting wine shows and reviews! The lifted nose has plums and sweet spice cardoman and cinnamon, with choc mint oak characters. The palate is full bodied but refined with some expressive berry fruit, plums, liquorice and complex spicy oak. There is a great depth of fruit which will ensure the longevity of the wine and also gives it wonderful mouthfilling sensation. The tannins are velvety and combined with the rich fruit and spicy oak gives the wine great length of flavour. Cellar Door / Direct Price $220.00 / Dozen The colour is a deep inky purple. The nose is complex with a deep concentration of black fruits, liquorice and spicy chocolate oak. The palate is full bodied with typically intense Barossa Shiraz fruit. The fruit characters are blackberry and plum, with well balanced oak. Additionally the palate is dense and generous, making it wonderfully mouthfilling with some lovely grainy tannins, it suggests the wine will improve for the next 10 to 15 years. This wine has fantastic length of fruit and oak flavours. Cellaring: 10-20 years. Cellar Door / Direct Price $558.00 / Dozen Purchase our wines at direct prices - www.thornclarkewines.com - (08) 8564 3034 - or in person at cellar door.
Awards Update HHHHH Winery James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion 2007 & 2008 Shiraz 2005 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2007 Wine Spectator Magazine, USA 2007 Wine Orbit, NZ 2007 96 points and 5 Stars (Top scoring Shiraz) Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007 Winestate 2007 5 Stars Cuisine Magazine, NZ 2007 5 Stars & #2 wine Uncorked Magazine 5 Stars & Best red wine $15-25 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006 Sydney International Wine Show 2006 Blue /Top 100 Robert Parker 2006 Stephen Tanzar (USA) 2006 Shiraz 2004 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006 & 2 Trophies Sydney International 2006 Top 100 Blue Sydney Wine Show 2006 & Trophy Wine Spectator 2006 91 Points Mediterranean International 2006 - Israel Mundus Vini Germany 2006 Shiraz 2005 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2007 Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007 Wine Spectator Magazine, USA 2007 89 Points Winestate 2007 Cuisine Magazine, NZ 2007 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006 Shiraz 2004 Sydney Wine Show 2006 89 Points Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006 The Blend/Cuvee 2005 Wine Spectator Magazine, USA 2007 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2007 Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007 The Blend/Cuvee 2004 Mundus Vini Germany 2006 James Halliday July 2006 william randell Shiraz 2004 Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007 Cuisine Magazine, NZ 2007 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006 Robert Parker 2006 92+ Points Sydney International Wine Show 2006 Blue /Top 100 Mundus Vini - Germany 2006 Brisbane Wine Show 2006 Barossa Wine Show 2006 Stephen Tanzar (USA) 2006 shotfire Quartage/Cuvee 2005 Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007 Wine Spectator Magazine, USA 2007 Royal Royal Royal Royal Perth Wine Show 2006 Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2006 Barossa Wine Show 2006 Quartage/Cuvee 2004 Australian National Show 2005 Sydney Wine Show 2006 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006 sandpiper / terra barossa 90 Points 93 Points Pinot Gris 2006 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2007 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show 2006 Pinot Gris 2005 Sydney Wine Show 2006 Decanter Best New Releases 2006 Four Stars 2004 Ottawa Wine Show 2005 International Wine Challenge London 2005 Cabernet 2005 Royal Queensland Wine Show 2007 Winestate 2007 Cabernet 2004 Winestate Magazine 2006 4 1/2 Star Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006 Best Buy Merlot 2006 Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007 Merlot 2004 James Halliday 2006 93 Points & Trophy Australian National Show 2005 Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2005 Riesling 2006 Wine Spectator Magazine, USA 2007 91 Points Adelaide Wine Show 2007 Hyatt National Riesling Challenge 2006 Riesling 2005 Decanter World Wine Awards, UK 2007 International Wine Challenge, UK 2007 Hyatt Riesling Challenge 2005 Sydney Wine Show 2005 91 Points & 3 Trophies Best Medium bodied red wine in class Best previous vintage wine Best Medium bodied red wine in show 2 Trophies Best wine at show Best blended wine & Trophy Most Outstanding Red Wine Blend & 3 Trophies Most Outstanding Wine Most Outstanding Red Wine Most Outstanding Red Wine Blend & Top of Class Best Buy If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email your details to thornclarke@thornclarke.com.au