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red
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2006 Lime Cave Cabernet |
The wine takes its name from a 40 metre long man-made cave, hand-dug in 1916 into the solid limestone hill that is now home to the estate vineyards. The hut-like entrance to the Lime Cave is depicted in the Maxwell of McLaren Vale logo. Above this cave, on the crest of the hill, there are 19 rows of “Reynella Selection” Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Planted in 1972, these vines originate from those brought into South Australia by John Reynell over 150 years ago.
The colour is dense red-black with purple highlights. Perfumed violets intermingle with blackberry, cedar and spice. The rich offers blackcurrant and sweet forest fruits. A hint of sweet cigar smoke swirls underneath the fruit, alongside a light earthy character. French oak maturation brings a well-balanced spicy, cedary note. Fine tannins persist and provide good palate length.
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2006 Ellen Street Shiraz |
What was originally known for over 100 years as Ellen Street runs along the southern boundary of the Maxwell vineyards. Situated between this road and the winery is a small vineyard of craggy, gnarled Shiraz vines planted in 1953. Every year these vines bear some of the best fruit on the estate, however in very small quantities, with an average crop of between 1 and 2 tonnes per acre.
Deep dark red and purple colours indicate the concentrated richness of this premium Shiraz. Aromas of plum and lifted red berry fruits mix with vanilla, anise, spice and mocha. The palate provides a generous mix of red berry fruits, with varietal peppery spice and carefully integrated American oak. A finely balanced palate offering exceptional length of flavour.
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| 2006 Silver Hammer Shiraz |
This wine is named after a well known song from the late 1960s - 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' - by arguably the most famous four man rock & roll band of all time. All we can say is dust off your copy of 'Abbey Road'...
The Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz delivers all the hallmarks of this variety when grown in the famous McLaren Vale region - rich black fruits, ripe plum, freshly ground black pepper and dark chocolate. Add to this some subtle creamy oak and the result is a wonderfully rich, full bodied red wine. It is made to be enjoyed in its youth, yet should age well for quite a number of years.
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| 2006 Four Roads Shiraz Grenache Viognier |
This wine takes its name from the fact that the Maxwell winery is found at the intersection of four roads, namely Olivers Road, Chalk Hill Road, Brewery Hill Road, and the old Ellen Street. This 2005 vintage is a blend of Shiraz (86%), Grenache (10%), and Viognier (4%).
The white grape Viognier is an amazing thing… not only for the beautifully textured white wines it produces, but also in its ability to enhance Shiraz when co-fermented in the winery. A small percentage of Viognier, usually around 4% to 5%, included in a Shiraz ferment can enrich the resultant wine. Not only can it add distinct aromas such as apricot and orange blossom, it can also create a silky-smooth texture in the mouth. The fascinating aspect of this is that Viognier alters Shiraz during fermentation, so the same result is not achieved by simple blending.
Mark Maxwell has taken an interesting approach to the popular Shiraz/Viognier wines, a quite McLaren Vale approach actually, by adding the spiced cherry characters and savoury notes of Grenache, a regional specialty that compliments Shiraz wonderfully.
A brilliant crimson-purple colour in its youth, this wine has a rich and enticing aroma of bright red berries, liquorice and vanilla. The palate abounds with juicy red berries surrounded by soft, silky tannins. A harmony of mulberry, liquorice allsorts, and savoury spice. A versatile wine that will compliment many different foods.
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2006 Little Demon Cabernet Merlot
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In 1871 Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell proposed a thought experiment, that involved a hypothetical creature acting as a gatekeeper between two compartments to sort gas molecules according to their speed. At first glance, such a system could potentially create energy from nothing… theoretically impossible given the laws of physics. This hypothetical gatekeeper became known to physicists as Maxwell’s Little Demon, and has stirred debate in the science community for more than a century.
A soft red wine designed for early drinking, it is distinguished by Cabernet aromas of snow pea, red currant and delicate mint. The palate shows both the persistence of Cabernet and the elegant influence of Merlot - ripe plum amid earthy characters of light peat, with currants and blackberries complementing these subtle savoury notes. Interlacing soft tannins contribute to the velvety palate, and round out a full yet gentle finish.
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