Haselgrove The Ambassador Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017

Der Ambassador ist das Beste, was ich von Haselgrove bisher getrunken habe.

Ein sattes Bouquet nach reifer Kirsche, Blaubeeren und etwas Holz. Am Gaumen dann schon Schichten von Cassis, Blaubeeren, schön verwoben mit feinen Tanninen. Zur Zeit noch konzentriert wie ein Fond. Sehr edle Schokolade mit Johannisbeerfrucht blitzt auf. Geschmacklich hinter aller Frucht und hinter dem hochklassigen, unaufdringlichen Barrique eine fast fleischige Sattheit, wie eine Essenz von Beeren, dabei tief und ausdrucksvoll, klar und reintönig und zu jeder Zeit pures Vergnügen im Mund. Die edlen Tannine zeigen im Finale: wir können noch lange.
2030 halte ich für konservativ geschätzt.

Flaschengröße (Liter): 0,75
Land: Australien
Weingut: Haselgrove
Region: Australien, McLaren Vale
Weinberg: Sourced from Haselgrove’s own Estate Vineyard
Rebsorten: Shiraz
Weinart: Rotwein
Verschluss: Kork
Alkohol % vol.: 14,5
Säure g/l: 6,13
Restzucker g/l: 3,2
pH: 3,44
Schwefel mg/l frei(total): 16(49)
Optimum drinking: bis 2030
Rebsorte: Shiraz
Allergene: Enthält Sulfite
Abfüller: Haselgrove Winery, 187 Sand Road, McLaren Vale, SA 5171, Australia
Einführer: Apell Weine, Martin Apell, Ahnatalstrasse 114 A, 34128 Kassel, Deutschland
Verantwortlicher Lebensmittelunternehmer: Apell Weine, Martin Apell, Ahnatalstrasse 114 A, 34128 Kassel, Deutschland

Weinberg:
Haselgrove Vineyard, Block 4 Shiraz, McLaren Flat

Selected from Haselgrove’s own vineyards in McLaren Flat from block F04 planted in 1972. Soil is deep sand to sandy loam over clay. Very gentle north westerly aspect with East West row orientation allows more delicate characteristics to develop. Characteristics common to the sub region include blueberry fruit, some red fruit, plums and a subtle violet lift with elegant tannins.

Winemaking:
The parcels for our Ambassador Shiraz are idiviually selected from the very best barrels from our own vineyard. Carefull maturation and blending has produced a complex and well-structured wine with wonderful balance.
Barrique?
Ja. Der Weine reifte ca. 18 Monate in einem Mix aus 2 Jahre alten/gebrauchten französischen Hogsheads, aus unterschiedlichen Wäldern und von unterschiedlichen Küfern.

Winemaker´s Comment:
The Ambassador is sourced from our own vineyard, in the heart of McLaren Flat area. The defining feature of this site is the sandy soil, which produces wines of great fragrance and elegant structure. This is not typical McLaren Vale, which is often seen as a home for power and big structure. The parcels for our Ambassador Shiraz are idividually selected from the very best barrels. Carefull maturation and blending has produced a wine which is a true expression of the vintage. It has more finesse, with a savoury quality and with low oak impact allowing the wine to speak clearly.
Zum Essen:
Eigentlich ein Solist, der die Bühne auch allein komplett ausfüllt.
Der Winzer empfiehlt: Pappardelle with slow braised beef cheek ragu
Vintage notes:

2017 was a much later and cooler vintage, producing wines with elegant structure, bright fruit flavours and true varietal expression.

Bewertungen (Auszüge):
Haselgrove Ambassador 2017
China Wine & Spirits Awards 2019: Gold Medal
Wine Orbit: 95
James Halliday Wine Companion 2020: 94
McLaren Vale Wine Show 2019: Bronze Medal

James Halliday – 2017 Ambassador 94 points (subscription excerpt):

80yo vineyard. Its engine takes time to hit top gear but it gets there in the end. Redcurrant and dense plum flavours are brightened by peppercorn and cedar wood. The texture is creamy, the tannin and oak both well integrated. The word seamless applies. Citrussy aromatics aren't quite in keeping with the overall profile, but on the positive side they contribute to the fresh feel.

Campbell Mattinson, Published 01 August 2019
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit: 95 points
Sophisticated and opulent at the same time, this gorgeous shiraz shows dark fruit, raspberry, thyme, vanilla and cedar characters on the nose, followed by a sumptuous palate that is richly fruited and generously weighted. It is powerful and persistent with stunning complexity. At its best: now to 2030. AU$85.00. www.haselgrove.com.au. April 2019.