____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Tasting Notes
2005 Black Duck Merlot
A cool winter with soaking winter rains followed by
a mild and protracted ripening period before occasional bursts of summer heat,
led to fruit of very pronounced flavour development with excellent natural acid
balance. While still on the vine our winemakers were excited about the potential
of this year’s fruit. At harvest time our Merlot showed exceptional colour and
was machine picked in the 3rd week of March, at around 14.5 °Baume. We achieved
about five tonnes in total, which was a little less than average.
2005 Black Duck Cabernet
Sauvignon
A typically good growing season in McLaren Vale
during 2005 had some vignerons crowing that it was ‘the vintage of the decade’.
For us, and our Cabernet Sauvignon in particular – it probably was! Yield
was down compared to normal, but the fruit was of such spectacular quality we
were convinceto release a straight, single varietal wine for the firtime. We
machine harvested a total of 8.5 tonnes and after vinification the wine was
consigned to a mix of new and prior-use French and American oak hogs-heads for
eighteen months maturation, before final blending of individual barrels and then
bottling. This wine is a deep, inky red colour, with intense aromas of
blackcurrant and green capsicum predominating. Mouth-filling fruit flavours of
red berry and spice, creamy vanillan oak and long soft tannins finish off a
palate that is full and firm. This stunning red will continue to improve over
the next three to five years.
2005 Black Duck Shiraz
Our Shiraz vineyard on the slopes of the Willunga
range is blessed by its deep, rich slatey soils, prevailing maritime climate,
rainwater from our winter-fed dam and sympathetic vineyard management practices
that make use of organic mulches and an otherwise minimal interventionist
approach. Just like our vineyards for other varieties. The reward is
consistently good quality fruit that expresses honest varietal fruit character
in grapes of good colour and natural acid balance. 2005 was one of those special
years where everything just seemed to come together perfectly. This rich and
full-bodied wine combines aromas of distinctive black pepper with hints of
cherry and berry spice. A very complex profile follows, displaying soft, nutty
flavours in harmony with the developed palate structure. Rich and long tannins
leave a warm and intense mouth-feel that lingers pleasingly on the palate.
2005
Black Duck Cabernet Merlot
Season 2005 in McLaren Vale was fairly
typical, with good winter rains leading to a long, moderate ripening period.
Occasional bursts of summer heat ensured even flavour development and good
varietal fruit flavours. Our vineyards, elevated slightly at the base of the
Willunga escarpment, enjoy cooling evening breezes that maintain the fruit
in excellent condition until harvest. While the Cabernet Sauvignon was
widely considered to be outstanding throughout the McLaren Vale region in
2005, our Merlot was not far behind, showing terrific soft and rich
flavours. This is a delightful, easy-drinking style showing pronounced
perfumed aromas of sweet dark berry fruit and hints of dark chocolate with
subtle oak. The palate is full and complex, displaying well-integrated fruit
with long, grainy, cedary oak tannins which linger on to a firm and dry
finish. This blend of two classic varieties has been crafted to be
easy-drinking in style, combining the best of each variety for your sensory
enjoyment.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Reviews and Awards
2005
BLACK DUCK SHIRAZ
| RECOMMENDED
Blueberries and cream, hint of pepper
spice. Masses of blackberry and blueberry fruit with creamy oak. Big, supple
tannins.
DECANTER,
FEBRUARY 2008 ISSUE
2005
BLACK DUCK MERLOT
| GOLD MEDAL
Attractive, spicy, concentrated briary fruit, excellent
concentration and balance. Enormous length with a long silky finish. Excellent.
2007
LONDON INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
2005
BLACK DUCK MERLOT
|
TOP OF CLASS
WINESTATE MERLOT
TASTING, JUNE/JULY 2007 ISSUE
2005 BLACK DUCK CABERNET
SAUVIGNON |
BRONZE MEDAL
2007 ROYAL SYDNEY WINE SHOW
2005 BLACK DUCK SHIRAZ
| BRONZE MEDAL
2007 LONDON INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
2005
BLACK DUCK SHIRAZ
|
TOP OF CLASS
WINESTATE SHIRAZ
TASTING, JUNE/JULY 2007 ISSUE
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pricing
| Description |
Per bottle |
Per dozen |
|
2005 Black Duck Merlot |
£13.50 |
£162 |
| 2005
Black Duck Cabernet
Sauvignon |
£11.50 |
£138 |
| 2005
Black Duck Shiraz |
£11.50 |
£138 |
|
2005 Black Duck Cabernet
Merlot |
£9.50 |
£114 |
|
