Maverick
Founded only in 2004, Maverick owns over 100 acres of top vineyards on the Barossa and Eden Valleys, with half the vines being over 50 years old and some much older. Englishman Ron Brown was able to take advantage of the weakness of the market for grapes to buy up vineyards that has previously supplied the fruit for some of Australia's most prestigious labels. In our opinion, Maverick is producing some of the finest wines in the Barossa, from their vineyards in both Eden and Barossa Valley. The combination of some of the highest vineyards in the region on the Pewsey Valley Peak (on which stands the 'monkey nut tree' which can be seen throughout the Barossa, and which features on all the Maverick bottles), the identification of 'terroirs', or blocks, planted with vines ranging in age from 4 to over 100 years old, and viticultural practices which are almost entirely biodynamic, is resulting in really exciting wines. Overall production is tiny, by anybody's standards, making these 'boutique' wines, but without being overpriced. The introduction of the Twins range, in addition to the single vineyard wines, makes use of their ability to produce wines sourced from both Valleys at a more attractive price level, while the new Breechens wines represent great value entry levels wines in the Maverick house style from their vineyards across the region.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
Predominantly Syrah, with small amounts of Grenache and Mouvedre from Maverick's vineyards across the Barossa and Eden districts. This is beautifully textured, with an intensity of ripe, juicy black berry and spicy fruit, and a balanced, long, elegant finish.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
Barrel fermented Chardonnay, but subtle enough in its use of only used oak, blended with Semillon. Bright and lively with some exotic fruit moments, combined with nuts, spices and vanilla.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
As winter trudges on, wines with a little more richness and warmth come into their own, and this richly textured Shiraz is drinking beautifully. From the great value Twins range, a great value Shiraz from Maverick's Barossa Ridge and cooler Old Ben vineyards. Vibrant fruit, scented with plums and black cherries, great depth and flavour on the palate and ripe, firm coating tannins on the finish providing great structure and texture.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
Amazingly well-priced Grenache (70%), Shiraz (22%) and Mourvedre (8%) blend from Maverick's Greenock Rise and cooler climate Trial Hill vineyards. Full bodied and rich, with mocha notes, yet with a crispness and acidity that keeps the wine vibrant and immensely drinkable.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
The Cabernet blend is made up of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Packed with blackcurrant and creme de cassis on the nose, it is medium bodied, richly textured with notes of ripe plums and vanillin oak, and a fresh finish.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
This barrel fermented Chardonnay, produced from a 0.9 hectare plot in the Eden Valley, is amazingly well balanced and focussed. It is oaked, but not oaky, and has a remarkable texture with positive juice and great length. The flavours are not the usual exotic mix of tropical fruits, but more restrained with mineral notes combined with lemons, limes and a hint of grapefruit.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
Typically rich and full bodied in classic Barossa style,with dark chocolate and blackberry fruit and yet fresh and savoury on the palate, making it very drinkable.
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Barossa Valley South Australia Australia
Old vines Shiraz from two small blocks at the Greenock Rise vineyard, planted around 1950. This shows a real focus of ripe fruit and reflects tremendous personality ('terroir'), with a scented flowing cassis middle and an earthy and mineral finish.