Skip to main content
Bottle and Glass
0
  • Red Wine
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • Spain
  • White Wine
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa
  • Rosé Wine
    • Australia
    • France
  • Sparkling Wine
    • Australia
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • Spain
  • Sweet
    • Australia
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
  • Mixed Cases
  • Gift Vouchers
Bottle and Glass
0
Cart0 Login / Register
  • Red Wine
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • Spain
  • White Wine
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa
  • Rosé Wine
    • Australia
    • France
  • Sparkling Wine
    • Australia
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • Spain
  • Sweet
    • Australia
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
  • Mixed Cases
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Home
  • Our Newsletter
  • Blue Chip Barossa

Blue Chip Barossa

David   22 August 2019 

Recently, Cousin Richard headed to the Barossa with his family to celebrate a significant birthday. They stayed in very nice digs - a luxuriously restored 1840s cottage, set amongst the vines, just off the iconic palm-lined Seppeltsfield Road, in an area known locally as the Western Barossa.

Seppeltsfield Road, Barossa Valley.

The Barossa Valley lies about 60km northeast of Adelaide and is one of Australia’s best-known regions. While it was originally settled by the Brits, much of the region’s Germanic culture comes from Silesian (ie. Prussian) Lutheran immigrants who settled here in the mid 1830s. The origin of the Barossa name is care of Colonel William Light, who fought in the Battle of Barrosa (note the two Rs and one S) near Cadiz in Spain in 1811. The different spelling is a clerical error that stuck.

Left: Winemaker Andrew Quin dropped in to our tasting room.

The climate in the Barossa is considered Mediterranean, typified by warm to hot summers and moderate rainfall, mainly during mild winters. Pretty nice really. While over 40 different grape varieties are grown here, the signature variety is of course Shiraz, accounting for over 65% of the crush. Barossa Shiraz is known for its flavours of “blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, black pepper, liquorice and chocolate” (Wine Australia) and tends to be full bodied, with medium to high tannin and alcohol. More recently there’s been a move towards less power and less American oak, which I prefer.

Back to cousin Richard who, being a bit of a wine man himself, sniffed out a few wineries and brought me back a few bottles. Two of these were from Quin Wines - side venture of Andrew Quin, chief winemaker at Hentley Farm.

It isn’t often I get the chance to taste a wine, knowing nothing about it, especially the price and accolades. We all know how much better a wine tastes when you’ve paid a motza for it.

I tasted the two bottles the best way - without expectation. The result? They were impressive, super impressive. Dense, powerful and complex, yet intensely focused, concentrated and smooth. A perfect balance of strength and vibrancy, restrained use of oak and firm but smooth tannins. Power with finesse. A top example of ‘new’ Barossa.

All became clear when I started googling. Andrew Quin has been chief winemaker at the highly regarded Hentley Farm since 2008, during which time he has accumulated an impressive list of awards including:

  • Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year nominee 2011 and 2013
  • Best Red Wine of the Show at the Barossa Valley Wine Show 2013
  • James Halliday Winery of the Year 2015
  • Barons of Barossa Winemaker of the Year 2017

The cottage where Cousin Richard stayed is known as Cambourne, named after the vineyard that surrounds it, and is run by Andrew and his wife Skye Quin. The 7.2ha vineyard was planted between 1995 and 1999, with the fruit from the vineyard traditionally being sold to nearby Hentley Farm. But in 2014, Andrew and Skye purchased the vineyard and in the same year kept back a small amount of fruit for Andrew to start making his own wines under the Quin Wines label, which was only officially established in 2018.

Quin Wines Cambourne vineyard - growing premium Shiraz.

Andrew makes his wines in a corner of the Hentley Farm winery and at the most recent Barossa Wine Show his wines won the most coveted of awards:

  • Trophy for Best 2017 Shiraz
  • Trophy for Best 2016 Shiraz
  • Trophy for Best Shiraz
  • Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor - Small Producer.

Yikes!

To add to this, just last month Quin Wines were included in The Real Review’s (Huon Hooke) Top Wineries of 2019. “Andrew Quin has – like some magician – conjured some outstanding wines for his debut.” Coming in at 77th position, placing above the likes of Mt Langhi Ghiran (79th), Bass Phillip (89th) and Leeuwin Estate (100th), is simply an amazing achievement for such a recently established winery.

Would you believe, by chance just a week later, Andrew was in town and I got to meet with him in our tasting room. Aside from being a top winemaker he’s a nice guy to boot!

‘Top winemaker starts own project on the side and trumps everyone.’ These are the undiscovered gems you wish for as a wine drinker. Thanks Cousin Richard.


Quin Wines Eden Valley Shiraz 2017

The fruit for this wine is sourced from a vineyard planted in the early 80s, high up on the south eastern edges of the Barossa, in the Eden Valley. Conditions in the Eden are noticeably cooler than the Barossa, producing more elegant and perfumed wine. Shiraz from the Eden is typified by flavours of “raspberry, black pepper, mulberry, blackberry, sage, black olive and spice“ (Wine Australia). 

On the eastern side of the Barossa and up into the Eden Valley, you'll also find more pronounced aromatics in the reds. 

The fruit was picked in the cool of the morning and quickly delivered to the winery where it was destemmed and fermented using cultured yeasts. After ferment the wine spent a further three days on skins to extract more colour, tannin and complexity. The soggy grapes were then pressed out using a traditional basket press, after which the wine spent 10 months in old oak, before being bottled into a bloody heavy bottle. The finished wine is 14.5% and sealed with a screwcap.

Andrew entered the wine into the most recent Barossa Wine Show where it was awarded:

  • 97 points
  • Gold medal and top score for 2017 Shiraz
  • and the highly coveted Trophy for Best 2017 Shiraz

The colour is deep rosey red. The nose is very aromatic - rose, plum, blueberry with a slight earthiness and light touch of vanilla. The palate reveals plums, roses and red berry fruit touched with sarsparilla and pepper. Deft bright acidity keeps plushness in check, giving this wine its luxurious mouthfeel and superb length, without being heavy handed.

“Youthfully deep red/purple colour, the bouquet likewise fresh and bright, with vibrant fruit and lashings of tannin, the acidity and oak in harmony. A full-bodied gutsy wine with lots of presence and boldness. It has a core of sweet fruit and excellent structure. A very smart Shiraz indeed.” (Drink 2019-2034). 94 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review (unlike many critics, Huon is a hard marker so this is a great review from him).

“Nose: Sarsaparilla, mulberries, tea leaf and fresh vanilla bean. Palate: Great tannin focus through the middle, flavours of red fruits and earth.”  Winemaker’s notes.

Only 90 cases made so you’re not going to find this around town. Enjoy it now or after several years in the cellar - see how good Eden Shiraz can be.

I can offer it for $55 a bottle.  Order here


Quin Wines Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

The fruit for this wine was sourced from three separate blocks within the Quins’ own Cambourne block. This western part of the Barossa is known for the power of the wine it produces. 10% was left as whole bunch in the ferment, which was carried out using cultured yeasts. Post ferment the wine spent up to 20 additional days soaking on the skins to extract more colour, tannin and complexity. The soggy grapes were then pressed out using a traditional basket press, after which the wine was transferred to aged French oak for a total of 20 months. The wine was bottled into the same heavy bottle as the Eden Shiraz, is 14.5% alcohol and sealed with a screwcap.

Andrew also entered this wine into the most recent Barossa Wine Show where it scooped the pool:

•   97 points
•   Gold medal and top score for 2016 Shiraz
•   Trophy for Best 2016 Shiraz
•   Trophy for Best Shiraz

In the glass this is dark, dense purpley red. On the nose, sweet dark plum and blueberry fruit mingle with spice and vanilla. And on the palate you’ll find plum, blueberry and pomegranate with a hint of anise. This is lush and viscous but with fresh acidity a counterbalance to its power and depth. A long finish and firm tannins complete the structure in this concentrated wine. Seems effortlessly balanced as only a good wine can - this is a beauty. 14.5% alcohol.

“Deep, dense, concentrated red/purple colour, with a deep, super-ripe, fruit driven aroma, which is classic chocolaty, dark plum Barossa shiraz, and the lets the fruit do the talking. It’s likewise dense and concentrated in the mouth, powerful and structured for ageing. A big serving of tannin - in balance, impressive wine.” (Drink 2019-2041). 95 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review. As noted above, Huon is a hard marker so this is a great review from him.

“Nose: Blueberry, blackberry and red currant. Palate: Soft round palate with layers of rich fruit.” Winemaker’s notes. Andrew describes this as a modern Barossa Shiraz.

Best Shiraz at the Barossa Show… need I say more? Maybe just that quantities are limited.

I can offer it for $55 a bottle.  Order here

Service

Service

  • My Account
  • Track Order
  • Returns and Refunds

About Us

About Us

  • About Us
  • Our Newsletter
  • Contact Us

Information

Information

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping
  • Security Policy

Receive our newsletter

Copyright © 2021 Bottle and Glass. All Rights Reserved.
NSW Liquor Licence No. LIQP770010172
ABN: 61 143 856 919
Liquor Act 2007: It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. We support the responsible service of alcohol.
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Bottle and Glass’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.

The term ‘Bottle and Glass’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is Shop 4, 29 Newland St, Bondi Junction, NSW, 2022. Our ABN is 61 143 856 919. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

  • The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
  • Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.
  • This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.
  • All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.
  • Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
  • From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
  • Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of Australia.

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how we uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this website.

We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

We may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.

What we collect

We may collect the following information:

  • name and job title
  • contact information including email address
  • demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
  • other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

  • Internal record keeping.
  • We may use the information to improve our products and services.
  • We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
  • From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

  • whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
  • if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us.

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.