2004 The HATTRICK - McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache Cabernet

Since the inaugural vintage in 1997 the philosophy behind the creation of The Hattrick has always been to make a very limited release blended wine whose total effect is greater than the sum of it's individual parts. Our parent company ‘Hattrick Wines' is quietly confident that The Hattrick has consistently done this whilst reflecting the classic blender's art. In support of this view have been the consistent reviews particularly in both the USA and Europe where it has steadily established it's own small but enthusiastic cult following.

From the 2004 vintage Andrew Braithwaite took over from Tony DeLisio as winemaker for Hattrick Wines. Andrew is chief winemaker and manager of the outstanding 130 acre Mark Wood Old Estate at the top of Coppermine Road in McLaren Vale. It is here,, in Andrew's Classic McLaren Winery, that we have made The Hattrick in every vintage.

The proportions of each varietal that makes up the final blend of The Hattrick will vary from year to year, dependent on the vintage. Developing a distinct and consistent Hattrick style has been our goal and it is clear in comparing completed and bottled vintages 1997 – 2004 that this signature has been defined and established. In essence we are looking for a fruit complex wine that has underlying oak support but more importantly layers of complimentary characters.

In 2004 as in other years all varietals came into the winery separately as they ripened from late February through to April, with shiraz and cabernet earlier than the grenache. Individual, open-vat ferments were completed and then the basket-pressed wines put to barrel. A mix of mainly new and some second year French and a small number of American Oak barriques were again used for the shiraz and cabernet components whilst the grenache saw a small portion of new but mainly second/third year French and American Oak.

After 9-12 months in barrel the Hattrick selection process picks up momentum. Each maturing varietal parcel was bench trialled against all others and preliminary blends were made. After this long and involved process the final 2004 blend was determined and returned to barrel to complete maturation In 2004 this blend is a combination of 49% shiraz , 46% grenache and 5% cabernet .

Our tasting notes reveal a wine that is structured for greatness. The shiraz has given the wine an outstanding framework of solid and defined shiraz strength with spice and dark fruit characters. The grenache is providing supple but real flesh and beautiful aromatics of concentrated red berries. Even at only 5% of the final blend the ink-black cabernet of 2004 adds to the length and finish and it's natural tannins lock the whole package together seamlessly. Moccha/chocolate with a hint of fine leather are melding into the wine on a daily basis and will complete a great vintage for Hattrick. At 16.6% a/v this is big even by Hattrick standards but there is no hint of it being out of balance with the style of the wine. As always with Hattrick the 2004 vintage will impress immediately after release but will reward the cellar dweller with significant complexity development in 10-15 years.

2003 Deaf Galah McLaren Vale Red Blend 

This delicious blend of Shiraz , Merlot, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon has been crafted to reflect the complex character of the outstanding Mark Wood Old Estate in McLaren Vale. This 130-odd acre property is situated on the elevated hills north and above the hamlet of Mclaren Vale. This vineyard's excellent aspect and Mediterranean micro-climate provides a consistency of quality that is renowned, particularly for red-wine making.

Deaf Galah is so named after the vineyard ‘mascot' Mick, an apparently deaf, Australian Cockatoo (aka ‘Galah'. He sits guard over the vineyard from his perch high in the gum trees located on the vineyard and rarely leaves his post.

To us this wine reflects the individual nature of the site and so we have named it after it's characterful guardian Mick, our Deaf Galah .

In making Deaf Galah we have taken pains to ensure textural and flavour characters are to the fore. Careful oak selection and handling has ensured that the rich fruit characters of the vineyard have been accentuated rather than covered. Judicious use of second and third year French and American Oak has aided in achieving this. Each varietal is individually fermented and aged and then each parcel is further ‘rated' for inclusion in the primary blend. Once this blend is completed and returned to barrel for a period we are able to complete the final touches by the inclusion of even small parcels of each varietal that have been kept to one side.

Out of the inaugural vintage of 2003 we have a resultant blending of 29% Shiraz , 29% Merlot, 23% Grenache and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. A natural alcohol of 15% sits comfortably within the lush structure of this wine, adding and extra textural element. The result is a delicious mix of black and red berry flavours laced with a fine spice element and juicy mouth-feel. A great drink now and over the next 5 years.

Winemaker: Andrew Braithwaite

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