1998 Bleasdale Generations Shiraz

What special bond is necessary to hold a family business together for five generations? What maintains this through personal tragedy, two World Wars and economic depression? What is the common thread that binds the heads of each successive generation - and not only the heads - but their wives, sons & daughters? Frank I, Frank II, Arthur, John & Michael are the heads of each of the five generations that comprise the Potts Family of Bleasdale. Frank Potts I arrived in Australia in 1836 and established Bleasdale Vineyards in the 1860’s. The original vineyard was planted to Shiraz and Verdelho. Today the Potts family’s Bleasdale Vineyards are Australia’s second oldest family wine company, the oldest being Yalumba which still belongs to the Hill Smiths. The familys strength of character is clearly derived from the genes of Frank Potts I – a pioneer and strong individualist who believed in doing a fair thing by and for everyone, of whom it has been said “Seldom, indeed was so much accomplished by one self reliant, resourceful and energetic man with so little.” His body lies buried with his wife in a corner of the Bleasdale property - and still seemingly the man in charge – emanating his extraordinary energy through the mystery of time. What is the law governing the sense of tradition, purpose and belonging that transcends self and is sacrificed not for personal gain but for the overall good of souls yet still unborn? Perhaps the answer lies with the ghosts of the family and staff who still reside at Bleasdale and partake each year of the “Wine of Angels” created from the evaporation of wine from oak casks?

Consider some of Australia’s greatest wine familys - the Gramps of Orlando, Penfold Hyland of Penfolds, Seppelt of Seppeltsfield, Hardy’s – all now taken over in a corporate tidal wave – the traditions of the past delegated to a transient board, whose own existence is only guaranteed by the size of the following years dividend payout. The Potts family are indeed a unique part of the Australian spirit and an inspiration to all. The 1998 Generations Shiraz is a spectacular tribute to the innovative genius and stability of this very distinguished family. Made by Michael Potts, the fifth generation, this wine clearly establishes Bleasdale as a serious and consistent super premium wine producer.

“THIS EXTRAORDINARY WINE WAS PREVIEWED AT WINE AUSTRALIA 2000 AND ALTHOUGH ONLY AVAILABLE “UNDER THE COUNTER”, CREATED A WAVE OF EXCITEMENT.”

Tasting notes: With the release of this wine there can be no doubt that Bleasdale have re-invented themselves as important Australian wine producers. A magnificent Shiraz by any measure, and again a further testament as to the exceptional 1998 vintage.
Opaque deep crimson colour. Superb nose of vanilla, spice, earth and plum (almost perfumed) with distinct black pepper end notes that run right through the palate and aftertaste. The palate flavours are very impressive - totally mouthfilling with superb counter points of ripe blood plum and black peppers. Excellent length and persistence of flavour with the black pepper and spice flavours forming a very powerful backbone to the wine, (which lasts for minutes on the aftertaste), over a background of vanilla and liquorice all sorts. Velvet smooth tannins. Cellar 8-10 years. This exceptional Shiraz is amongst the last of the great 1998’s to be released. Stocks are limited.