A mostly Shiraz wine with smaller components of Mataro and Grenache, sourced primarily from good vineyards along the Margaret River. Drawing inspiration from the wines of the Rhone Valley, Marmaduke balances the pepper and spiceyness of Shiraz, sweet fruit flavours of Grenache with the earthy, gamey influence of the torrid Mataro. The search for fully ripe flavours essential to the Marmaduke style requires harvest in the latter part of the season when the flavours and natural fruit sugars climax, while the tannins mature and soften.

The majority of the Shiraz was grown on Cape Mentelle vineyards, mostly located in the Wallcliffe and Karridale subregions within the Margaret River appellation. Soils are derived from decomposed granite and consist of gravelly loam over deep clay subsoil. All vines are vertically shoot positioned and managed to ensure balanced growth throughout the season. Parcels of hand and machine harvested fruit are vinified in a combination of open and static fermenters, managed with a combination of plunging and pumpovers. All batches were basket pressed and transferred to large oak vats for malolactic. Marmaduke was matured fourteen months mostly in large oak barrels before assemblage. Alcohol 14.0%

Dark red with crimson hues. Vibrant blueberry and dark cherry in the foreground with complex earthy characters, spice and lifted, bright violet notes. Rich and textural palate with briary dark fruits and subtle pepper. The palate’s length is defined by long, fine, chalky tannins. A medium bodied, fruit forward red wine where the spice, depth and richness of Shiraz are tempered by the warming personas and engaging complexity of Mataro and Grenache, the classic Rhone varietal blend, at its best with wood fired pizza.

Vivid crimson; a highly fragrant, sweet-fruited bouquet leads into a textured palate juxtaposing red and black fruits with a grainy finish; no lack of character. Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro. Screwcap. 14% alc. Rating 91 Points; Drink 2018 $19 Date Tasted Jul 10 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011