Ripper Creek
Shiraz/Cabernet

$30.00

2023 Shiraz/Cabernet

My dad always said how much he loved drinking the Cabernet/Shiraz blends that were going around in the 60’s and 70’s. Not too many folks put these wines in the cellar back then because they were pretty easy to slip into straight away. Luckily, Dad put enough away for me to get a try of a few old rippers with a couple of decades of age on them which was the motivation for this traditional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from vines grown on our hand-tended vineyard in Vine Vale. We’ve blended these two varieties together after open fermentation, basket pressing and ageing in old casks in the family winery – just like they were made back then.

Tasting Notes

Mulberry, ripe blackberries, cedar, eucalyptus, all show on the nose. Rich palate bursting with dark berries flavours, again, mulberry and blackberries dominate. Chewy tannins provide a nice backdrop to the fruit. Yum!

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Description

Tasting Notes 

2022

Dense nose of plum, blackberries and wood spice. The palate is rich and luscious with dark fruits and cocoa. With a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than previous vintages, there is blackberry compote and distinctive herbal tones framed by moderate tannins and some cedar to finish.

2021

Some of the richest colour I’ve seen in this blend for some time. Dense nose of plum, blackberries and wood spice. The palate is rich and luscious with dark fruits, cocoa & slight herbal tones framed by moderate tannins and cedar to finish. Classic ‘Old School’ Claret.

2020

Rich bouquet shows potpourri, some herbals with blackberry, plum and currents. The palate is lively and fresh with currants, plums and faint herbal tones from the Cabernet. Soft tannins give way to a fresh, vibrant finish. Hard to stop at just one glass!

2019

Rich fruit characters of blackberry, plum, some liquorice and spice. Soft, juicy palate leads to plum, blueberry, hints of red fruits framed by moderate tannins and a cedar oak finish. Classic ‘Old School’ Claret.

2018

Rich fruit characters of black berry, plum, some liquorice and herb rub. The palate is soft with dark fruits, there’s subtle herb and spice on the finish too. A great all-rounder everyone can enjoy.

2017

Rich fruit characters of black berry, plum, some liquorice and herb rub. The palate is soft with dark fruits, there’s subtle herb and spice on the finish too. A great all-rounder everyone can enjoy.

2016

Lovely bouquet, with rich fruit characters, black berry, plum, some liquorice and herb rub. The palate is seamless with pure fruit characters, spice, vanilla, chocolate and cedary tannin. A great all rounder… approachable now but will easily cellar for 8-10 years.

2015

The Shiraz (80%) for this year’s Ripper Creek ripened quite early in a dry, warm and mild vintage. Yields were below average and the result is a fruit forward, juicy little number that over-delivers as usual. With a touch of barbeque herb rub from the Cabernet (20%) and layers of dark fruits and liquorice on the nose, this years’ Ripper has vibrant dense fruit on the palate, hints of cocoa and vanilla and gentle tannins which provide a lush finish. Drink now or cellar comfortably for 8-12 years.

2014

Rich and juicy old vine Shiraz from a fantastic vintage is balanced out by some really subtle herbal notes from the Cabernet. The nose hints at some velvety richness to come on the palate, and it doesn’t disappoint. Showing great weight and concentration, subtle silky tannins and a lovely, well balanced, silky smooth finish. Blend 80% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet.

2012

A blend of 82% Shiraz and only 18% Cabernet makes this Ripper really fleshy and juicy, from some truly awesome Shiraz, balanced out by some really subtle herbal notes from the Cabernet. The nose hints at some great richness to come on the palate, and it doesn’t disappoint. Great weight and concentration, subtle silky tannins and a lovely, well balanced and tight finish.

2011

I think the 2011 is a great result for a tough vintage. It’s 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet but the Cab Sav really shines through in the cooler years. It’s got bright fruit and well integrated acid, the palate is soft and lingering and it is perfectly balanced. But so it should be- it’s a blend of Black Guts and Boundaries. Enjoyable now and will cellar very well.