Variety:

Region:

Tasting Notes: Bold & Rich

It’s bold and extremely rich, with blackcurrant, mocha, spice and fruity mince pie.

Background Information: Mike Press wines were relatively unknown to the general wine drinking public until the 2006 Adelaide Hills Wine Show. Mike submitted his 2005 Merlot, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon & 2005 Shiraz. Not only did all three wines win gold medals, but all three topped their classes.

In Class 9 (Merlot), this wine received 55 points and was the only wine to be awarded a gold medal. The Henshke Abbotts Prayer at around $65 a bottle was the next closest with 51.5 points.

In Class 8 (Cabernet Sauvignon) his Cabernet was also the only wine to be awarded a gold medal in its class.

In Class 10 (Shiraz) his Shiraz scored 56 points and was the top gold medal awarded. There were three wines on 55.5 points following, being the Petaluma, Griffin and Paracombe.

This extraordinary show success was unprecedented and as the saying goes a modern legend was born. Show success is however not new to Mike as he has made many wines in his illustrious career that have won top awards.

After graduating from Roseworthy College he was tutored by the late Max Schubert and as a young man became Chief Winemaker at Seppelt’s, in the 1970’s. Headhunted by the growing Mildara Blass empire, Mike became the Chief Winemaker of one of the largest ranges of wine in Australia.

Now, with no one (other than his wife Judy) to answer to he is back making small parcels of wine off his own vineyard. So if you’ve been brainwashed like Miles from ‘Sideways’ into believing Merlot is wishy - washy think again as this will no doubt change your mind.

There are only a handful of wine merchants in Victoria selling this fabulous wine so do yourself a favour and give it a go.

Vintage: 2005

State: South Australia

Country: Australia

Alcohol Content: 13.5%

Standard Drinks: 8

Preservatives: 220

Bottle Top: Screwcap

Bottle Size: 750 ml

Red/White Wine: Red