'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz
2006

The resultant wine is deep, intense purple, with a bouquet that exhibits earthy black currant/blackberry characters, as well as subtle toasted oak scents derived from the wood maturation.
The palate is a rich amalgam of fruit and other flavours, ranging from mulberry and blackberry through to liquorice and black pepper and all of these in a deep, smooth and mouth-filling style. The sweet fruit flavours are long lasting and end off with a soft yet lingering tannin finish.
This is a most appealing dry red wine and a fine example of what can be achieved from two varieties that seem especially suited to the local conditions.

The Vintage

The grapes for this wine came from two separate vineyards, located about three kilometres west of the township of McLaren Vale. Grenache comprised 70% of this blend and came from vines planted over 40 years ago. The Shiraz (30%) came from 10 year old vines in a patch we endearingly call 'Rock Hill'. The widespread limestone, sharp, flat shale and occasional chunk of sandstone make it a difficult vineyard to work - and the vines can't find it too easy either, but we are rewarded each year with grapes of intense varietal flavour and good natural acid balance.

Vinification

The machine harvested ripe fruit was received in batches, and crushed and processed separately so as to give us maximum control and flexibility over the make up of the final blend.
The individual parcels were fermented on skins in small open fermenters for around 14 days, with a component then despatched to wood to complete ferment. The Shiraz and Grenache then separately spent 12 months in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads before being assessed prior to blending and bottling.

Technical

Alcohol by volume; 14.5% v/v
pH; 3.49
Titratable Acid; 6.20 g/L
Varieties; 70% Grenache 30% Shiraz
Geographical Indication; McLaren Vale, South Australia

Awards and Accolades

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	Gold Medal, 2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz 2009 Sommelier Challenge, San Diego, California Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL:
	Silver Medal, 2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz Selections Mondiales Des Vins Canada Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL:
	90 Points, 2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz Wine Review, Paul Ippolito View Editorial  |  Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL: 13 May 2009 (pm edition) Conte Estate The Gondola Grenache Shiraz 2006 Vibrant fresh and uplifting are the buzz words here. An impressive red blend that really hits the mark. You get loads of cherries, plums and earthy blackberries. The fruit is elegant and medium bodied, the oak is judiciously imparted and pairs up well with the fruit characters. The tannin structure is superfine and long and overall the drinkability factor is high. Decent honest red wine drinking, quite European in style, the fruit is there, but in a refined and not over the top sense and just right drinking for the cooler weather. Try it with roast lamb and veges. Drink to 2012. Alc 14.5% (but not really discernable). About $20. 90/100 – Very Good.
	Silver Medal, 2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz International Wine Masters Challenge, Portugal View Editorial  |  Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL: The “Wine Masters Challenge” - World Wine Contest, is already been deemed by experts as a barometer for the world wine sector activity. The 2009 event will be the biggest ever, including a jury of 600 qualified technicians from 51 countries. The event will be held in Estoril from March 26th to March the 29th at an Estoril Hotel. The International Wine Challenge offers producers the chance to have their wines endorsed using the most rigorous of judging processes - every wine entered is assessed at least twice, and the medal winners will be judged anywhere from 3 to 6 times. Staging such a seamless two-week competition is no easy task and requires a year of planning.
	2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz, Gold Medal Vienna International Wine Challenge Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL:
	2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz, 90 Points 2009 James Halliday Wine Companion View Editorial EDITORIAL: Medium-bodied; considerably more structure than the Grenache, McLaren Vale chocolate coming through for one thing, and plenty of black fruits for another, even if tempered a little by the grenache; good tannins and length. Cork 15° alc. RATING 90 DRINK 2012 DATE TASTED Mar 07
	2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz, 90 Points Wine Review, Murray Almond View Editorial EDITORIAL: Spicey nose with earthy cassis with dutch licorice hints The palate is nicely balanced to the alcohol and brings forward a touch more licorice while broadening nicely across thee palate. Medium firm fine tannins before a good long finish. A nicely structure Grenache Blend that could well handle some cellaring. Drink 2008-2013 90/100 Excellent RRP $18
	2006 'The Gondola' Grenache Shiraz, Bronze Medal 2008 Tawoomba Royal Show, QLD EDITORIAL:

Availability

In stock