The Colonial Estate Envoy Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2018

Envoy is probably the most European in style wine that we make in Australia and has been confused from time to time with a wine from the Southern Rhone. As ever, the grapes are picked and given a French twist in their winemaking to deliver something slightly different. Fermentation is French for up to two-thirds of the wine made the rest vinified in a more standard Australian way. Aged in oak for 12 months then in bottle for an additional 12 months prior to release.

The Colonial Estate Explorateur Barossa Valley Sparkling Shiraz Nv

The vineyards that make up Explorateur are based in the northwestern Barossa Valley. This is a belt of land/terroir that runs from just to the northwest of Tanunda – Marananga, Greenock, Moppa, Ebenezer, and through to Stockwell, just north of Nuriootpa. Cropping levels are kept low to ensure fruit flavour is focus. This Shiraz is created from a blend of vintages, primary fermentation is in stainless steel vats followed by extended barrel fermentation on lees to build complexity and richness. The parcels were blended followed by secondary fermentation which gives the wine its sparkle.

Should be drinking well now and over the next 6 or so years.