Halliday Wine Companion

• By James Halliday
  1/9/2007 (link)

  (Tapestry The Vincent McLaren Vale Shiraz) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  8/15/2007 (link)

  (TAPESTRY The Vincent Shiraz) The Vincent Dear Friends, Bored with Shiraz? You may want to try this. After I published the results of the 2007 Edinburgh Cellars Shiraz tasting last week I had a fairly overwhelming number of inquiries from our customer base asking if we could source any of the other winners on the top 12 list (I apologize if I have not returned your emails on this subject - I’m still making my way through all of the inquiries and questions but I WILL return yours, please be patient). Since then, I’ve been trying to come up with perfect parcels from the winner’s list but the wines have been disappearing in Oz (at newly inflated prices) and I had my sights set on 2-3 particular wines that would be of educational as well as enjoyable value, one of which is below. If you think you know the McLaren Vale, do you? The Tapestry Vincent is a wine that has a chance to change the perception of those that find Shiraz to be tiring. It is a big wine in many ways but it is a restrained “big” with unique character traits that speak to its name (the wine is named for the maritime cooling influence of the Gulf of St. Vincent in the McLaren Vale). The Vincent Shiraz is their best expression at Tapestry and they are out to prove that the biggest, blackest Shiraz is not necessarily the best. Judging by the results of the Edinburgh tasting, they may be on to something. That being said, a feminine, light hearted expression this is not - it is still a large-scaled effort that will elicit many wows from tried and true Shiraz fans but it will also create a bridge for those that need an excuse to come back to the fold. From an old-vine vineyard grown on poor ironstone soil that forces the Shiraz to dig for sustenance, this wine is known for it’s spice and game character but its richness and restraint in the same sip are what sets it apart – also its potential ageing ability. This wine has been a Wine Spectator darling over the last five years or so but the notes have been largely of academic purpose as it’s always very difficult if not impossible to find in the US. The 2004 version of this wine has already gained notoriety in Australia and beyond. Like its predecessors, it will not be readily available anywhere - especially in the US. While we have a small parcel at a a terrific price, take advantage and discover something that just may change the way you look at Shiraz: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for outstanding value at the top end. ONE SHIPMENT ONLY directly form the source at what should be one of the lowest prices in the world. 2004 Tapestry Shiraz “The Vincent” Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Aus9901