Reviews:
“Nearly perfect, the opaque black/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz Reserve (2,300 cases) plays to the great strength of Australia — powerful, naturally textured, super-rich wines that are big and chewy. Exceptionally rich and explosive, with great purity as well as remarkable symmetry and overall balance for such massiveness. This blockbuster can be drunk now or cellared for 12–15 years. Make no doubt about it, this Shiraz will elicit more than a few ‘wows’ in any tasting — blind or otherwise.”
— Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (98 Points)
About the Winery
Fox Creek Wines was founded in 1984 by Helen and Dr. Jim Watts, who established a 32-hectare vineyard on Malpas Road in McLaren Vale, South Australia. Their flagship Reserve Shiraz quickly became one of the region’s most acclaimed wines, winning major trophies at the McLaren Vale Wine Show and gaining international recognition.
About the Wine
The Reserve Shiraz is Fox Creek’s flagship and most celebrated wine. The 1998 vintage represents one of the strongest expressions of McLaren Vale Shiraz, produced from low-yielding vines and aged in new American oak hogsheads for 15 months.
Producer Notes
“This wine was sourced from Fox Creek’s Willows Block vineyard and was matured in new American oak hogsheads for 15 months. Excellent vineyard management and low yields have resulted in a wine of outstanding concentration. Deep red/black colour with crimson edges. The nose displays aromas of blackberry, liquorice, plum, anise and mulberry fruit with well integrated spicy oak. The palate is super-concentrated with rich berry fruit flavours complexed with nutmeg, vanilla and liquorice, supported with balanced acid and a firm tannin structure. Excellent depth of flavour and very long aftertaste.”
— Fox Creek
Specifications
Winery: Fox Creek Wines
Country: Australia
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 1998
Style: Red – Rich and Intense
Alcohol: 14.5 ABV
Sweetness: Dry
Maturation: 15 months in new American oak hogsheads
Closure: Cork
Food Pairing
Perfect with beef, venison, or rich slow-cooked dishes.
