0
1013640_1.jpg
  • 94

2005 The Black Chook Shiraz Viognier

South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$16. 99
Bottle
$203.88 Dozen
Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2008-2009)
ABV: 15%
Closure: Screw Cap
Every now and then a new brand enters the market and rockets to success. The Black Chook is one such wine, capturing the imagination of wine lovers in the US, UK and Australia. Ubiquitous winemaker, Ben Riggs has co-fermented 4% Viognier and 96% Shiraz, which results in a much more aromatic wine, filled with strong notes of dried apricots. The aromatic profile is not delivered when the varieties are fermented separately and blended back later. The grapes have been sourced from McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek and reflect the qualities of yet another strong South Australia vintage.

An outstanding follow up to the 2004 Black Chook.

Opaque black purple crimson colour with black purple hue. Delightful nose - with liquorice top notes followed by blackberry, plum and vanilla. The palate delivers that expected Ben Riggs 'joosy,' mouthfilling sensation. There are some apricot flavours emerging over liquorice, plum and blackberry. Fine grained, balanced tannins, dry and persistent. Aftertaste of blackberry, plum and liquorice. Cellar: 2-3 years (2008-2009) Alc/Vol: 15%

Other Reviews…
A bigger, richer version of the value-priced Woop Woop, this cuvee, which is made by the irrepressible Ben Riggs, is produced primarily from McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek fruit. The result is a fabulous value composed of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier that is aged in mostly used French oak for eight months. Its deep ruby/purple colour is accompanied by serious blackberry and currant notes intermixed with pepper and spice. This wine offers high levels of seduction, lushness, and richness at a ridiculously low price. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years.

91 points
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006)