Neagles Rock Clare Valley, South Australia

Neagles Rock was established in 1997 by Steve Wiblin and Jane Willson. With the acquisition 20 acres of vineyard, Neagles Rock has quickly established itself as a leading winery in the Clare Valley. James Halliday rates Neagles Rock as a "Four Star" winery for five years running, which equates to an 'outstanding winery capable of producing wines of the highest calibre'. Clare Valley is situated approximately 120 kilometers north-east of Adelaide in the Mount Lofty Range and has predominantly iron-rich soils over limestone subsoils. The climate is continental, with cold winters and dry, hot summers. Riesling is the dominant grape here, but Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and blends of the two are the workhorse wines of the region. These cool climate Cabernets and Shiraz attain an elegant structure, with abundant fruit character and fine minerality in the midpalate.

Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz "Mr. Duncan" 2006 Although warmer than the previous year, a wet winter and good spring rains prepared the soil well for the dry months ahead. Favourable conditions during flowering gave a good fruit set. This "true blue" Aussie blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz features power and complexity with drinkability. The rich ripe berry fruit characters of Cabernet Sauvignon combine with the fine white pepper spice of Shiraz to give a wine of character, depth and length of palate. This complex wine was aged for 18 months in French and American oak before final blending and bottling in November 2007. The powerful fruit characters and careful oak selections mean it is ideal for any meat dish including a good old barbecue. "Clare Valley winery Neagles Rock has gradually increased its profile in the past 10 years and has just earned a reputation for high-quality red and white table wines. Mr. Duncan is a savoury spin on the unique Australian blending of the Bordeaux cabernet with the Rhône shiraz, a genuine middleweight with appealing flavours of black berries with some sweet spice, chocolate and dry herbs. Ready to enjoy now, but will hold its fine form over the next five years." 4.5 out of 5, Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, Jan 22, 2007 Gold - 2008 Winewise Small Vigneron Awards Silver - 2008 International Wine Challenge Bronze - 2008 Royal Queensland Wine Show Bronze - 2008 Cairns Wine Show

Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 As is expected from good Clare Cabernet, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep and dark in colour with a lifted violet and herbal nose. The palate is rich, full and complex with blackcurrant, licorice, mocha, an herbal mintiness and subtle fruit cake characters. The finish is long and satisfying but very tight and refined. It is drinking well now, but this lovely Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will improve over time, and can be cellared for 8 to 9 years.

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All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

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