Past Vintages

Technical Details

 "A strong red-purple colour introduces a wine with far more substance in terms of varietal character, depth of flavour and structure than most in its price range (including its 2009 twin). Blackcurrant, with slight nuances of choc-mint, drives the bouquet, but in particular the palate, where the contribution of American and French oak is well controlled. Give it a year or two, then enjoy it through to the end of the decade. 92 pts."

Reprnted with permission from 1001 Wines Under $20.00, 2012 edition, James Halliday

"The Shingleback winery in McLaren Vale produces some stunning value wines under its Red Knot label - and this is another hit off the production line, an impressively aromatic and rich red wine, choc-a-block with strong blackberry flavours and with just enough oak influence to add complexity. A terrific all-purpose wine."

Winsor Dobbin, Ciao September 9th 2011

"An honest McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon at a good price. Black fruits and appealing liquorice, with leathery, earthy complexity, make an attractive introduction. In the mouth it's medium in body but light in feel and flavour, a crowd-pleasing style of softness and persistence. Drink over 2 years. 4 stars."

Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age Epicure, August 19 2011

"If memory serves me correctly I could pull out last years tasting note and it would be as good as this one; such a reliable brand and always of a standard that is above its price point, so 92 points and fantastic value at $15"

Tony Keys, The Key Review of Wines No 37, July 2011

Tasting Note

Vibrant deep red with purple hues. Fragrant blackberry and cassis aromas with nuances of bay leaf, chocolate and vanilla / cashew oak. Typical of McLaren Vale: luscious blackberry fruit overflows from the mid-palate and is defined by fine tannins and slate like minerality. A full bodied wine with a long, lingering finish, showing harmonious integration of its fruit, structural and subtle oak elements.

Awards:

• Gold medal - 2011 International Wine Challenge, Vienna
• Silver Medal - 2011 Spiegelau International Wine Competition, class 15b, NZ
• 92 pts - 1001 Wines Under $20.00, 2012, James Halliday
• Bronze medal - 2011 Cowra Wine Show, class 56
• Bronze medal - 2011 McLaren Vale Wine Show, Class 11 
• Bronze medal - 2011 Royal Hobart Wine Show, Class 63

Please note, Zork closure is used in Canada & New Zealand