CHRIS RINGLAND NORTH BAROSSA VINTNERS SHIRAZ

BAROSSA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA 2014

There was a time when you could safely bet that the top wine to come out of Australia was Penfolds Grange. Its prominent position was unshakable. But times change; the old order gets over-turned, and a new guard takes the throne - Chris Ringland’s herculean Shiraz was that champion. Named as one of the “international grandmasters” of Syrah/Shiraz alongside Guigal, Chave, Baron (Cayuse), Krankl (Sine Qua Non) and Chapoutier by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Chris Ringland’s name commands attention and devotion like few other winemakers. With his wines championed by Parker and dubbed “immortal” and “too good to be true,” it’s not surprising that his Barossa Shiraz received four 100-point ratings in the span of several years and for upwards of $600, it certainly commands attention. Though we hope to get ahold of an allocation of this wine in the future, today we’re featuring another beauty, it’s stablemate – a Barossa Valley Shiraz with the same pedigree at less than 10 times the price. A heavyweight in its own right, Chris Ringland’s North Barossa Vintners Shiraz is certainly a bargain at sub-$45, considering the impressive price tags of its siblings. Displaying all the archetypal richness and power that we love about Barossa Valley Shiraz, we are thrilled to have an allocation of their 2014 to offer to you today.

For a man that produces some of the most sought-after collectors’ items in the world, Chris Ringland is surprisingly low-key and shies away from the spotlight, completely devoted and dedicated to what truly matters – the fruit. Unwavering in his vision and uncompromising when it comes to producing wine of the highest quality, his level of precision is certainly evident in every bottle. As a partner and mentor to a number of prominent winemakers in the region, Ringland’s North Barossa Vintners Barossa Valley Shiraz is a collaboration between Chris Ringland, Adrian Hoffmann and Nathan Burley and is sourced from the Ebenezer district in North Barossa Valley. With fruit selected from individual vineyard blocks, this wine offers a unique insight into the regional expression of the 2014 vintage. Aged in French oak for three years, the wine is “…fragrant and meaty, with licorice and peppery spices on the nose. Full-bodied, velvety and open-knit, it looks approachable now for its black olive and boysenberry fruit, ending with a touch of espresso.” With minuscule production for almost all of his wines, this is a great opportunity to taste some of the best he has to offer, for an unbelievably wallet-friendly price. This wine is available on first-come, first served basis. Enjoy!