2001 Burge Family Clochemerle

[Drew]

Popped Christmas Eve and named after one of Rick Burges favorite French comic novels. It is a blend of 53% Grenache, 38% Shiraz and 9% Mourvedre. Very southern Rhone like with notes of pepper and herbs but with plenty of full Barossa fruit. Almost black in the glass and complex, the flavors are layered with rich blackberry, pepper, herb and earth. Really enjoyed this but a little pricy at $31. 14.5% Alc/vol.

Drew

[Drew]

Popped another tonight and this wine continues to evolve with the addition of a raspberry liquor flavor on the finish. Still plenty of fine tannins and this bottle showed a little heat from the 14.5% Alc/vol.
Paired with 3" thick top sirloin steaks grilled only for marks then baked to medium rare toped with a spicy crab salad, more twice baked garlic potatoes and sliced tomatoe. Wonderful.

Drew

[Bucko]

Drew, is this Grant Burge?

[Drew]

Bottle sez Burge Family Winemakers, Barossa Valley on the front and is signed Rick Burge, Winemaker on the back. This is a blend from grapes harvested in the Olive Hill and Draycott blocks. Hope this helps.

Drew

[Drew]

Popped another last night and I think this wine is at peak. Truly elegant in style and showing some very fine tannins that provide backbone. Along with the previously described flavors is the addition of a slight eucalyptus note. Delicious with a rare, short dry aged filet mignon.

Drew