Maxwell
meanderings
V O L UME 12 I S S UE 2 - S E PT E MBE R 2012
THE NEWSLETTER OF MAXWELL WINES OF McLAREN VALE
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2013
JAMES HALLIDAY RATES MAXWELL WINES A FIVE STAR WINERY AGAIN
The new edition of Australia’s most anticipated annual wine guide, James Halliday’s Australian Wine
Companion 2013, has again cemented the position of Maxwell Wines of McLaren Vale among the top wine
producers in Australia.
Wines singled out by James Halliday for particular praise included the Minotaur Reserve Shiraz 2009 (94 points),
Eocene Shiraz 2009 (94 points), “KI” Kangaroo Island Shiraz 2010 (93 points), Ellen Street Shiraz 2009 (92 points),
Silver Hammer Shiraz 2010 (92 points) and the Four Roads Shiraz Grenache 2010 (90 points). Thanks again James.
From Mark Maxwell
The Next Generation
Having just returned from a working holiday in Vietnam, I can see
how the strong Australian dollar can appeal to travellers. One dollar
can buy a delicious serve of prawns and a dollar fifty gets you a can of
beer. Not so helpful with wine however because of the extremely
high duty and tax that is levied on wine imported into that country.
From a winemakers perspective, the strong Aussie dollar is having a
two-fold adverse effect.
Jeremy Maxwell (pictured second from left) has been following in
his father’s footsteps from the moment he could walk. For as long
as he can remember, his love for the McLaren Vale region has been
the reason for his ambition to be a winemaker. After graduating
from Edith Cowen University in 2009, Jeremy set of on a life
adventure, to gain experience in the best wine regions of the world.
His journey began in California, working with Alexander Valley
Cabernet at one of Kendal Jackson’s wineries.
In 2010 Jeremy came home to work vintage at d’Arenberg before
setting off again to Italy as assistant winemaker in Abruzzo and
Campania before heading to South Africa to work at LaMotte Wine
Estate, one of the oldest family
wineries. Later in 2011 Jeremy headed
to the home of Syrah, the Rhone Valley
in the South of France. He worked for
Michel Chapoutier in Hermitage
learning about the significance of
terroir.
Jeremy joined the family business at
Maxwell Wines in May 2012 where he
plans to build on what his father and
grandfather have created, to produce
ultra premium wines from the estate
vineyards in McLaren Vale.
Many of our overseas customers are preferring to buy from Chile or
Italy, where the exchange rate is more palatable and say that they
will wait to reorder when the AU$ drops in value. As a consequence
we are selling less overseas.
Also the major retailers here in
Australia are importing wines from
France, Portugal etc. with great buying
power and so the range of wines on
the shelves is more diverse and less
local wine is being sold.
This is still good news for the local
wine drinker, as the variety of choices
increases and the prices haven't
changed in years.
Cheers, Mark Maxwell.
The Little Demon Range Keeps Growing
We are proud to introduce you to our latest addition. The 2011 Maxwell Little Demon Shiraz Grenache is now available for purchase
through our cellar door and will hit the shops in the coming weeks. Once upon a time this wine was under the Four Roads label but it
has now been repositioned alongside our already very popular Little Demon Verdelho and Cabernet Merlot.
We co-ferment Shiraz and Viognier then later blend with Grenache resulting in a wine that exhibits an aroma of floral fruit. The
palate exhibits savoury and earthy spice characters with luscious blueberry, bright red berry fruits along with fine long tan nins.
This wine is sure to be the perfect partner at your next dinner party and a real crowd pleaser.
Use the attached order form to be one of the first to get your hands on this great new release.
Maxwell Wines PO Box 111 McLaren Vale South Australia 5 171 Winery & Vineyards Olivers Road McLaren Vale South Australia 5171
Telephone +61 8 8323 8200 Facsimile +61 8 8323 8900 E mail [email protected]
Website www.maxwellwines.com.au Facebook www.facebook.com/maxwellwines
News from the Cellar Door
Where’s Molly Rosé 2012
Hello again to all of our loyal members. We have had a cold and wet
winter in McLaren Vale and I am really looking forward to Spring to
bring the warmth back to the region. However, now is the time to
enjoy some great McLaren Vale reds.
It’s back again for another year. This years edition is a
change in style with Grenache being the grape of
choice in this Maxwell favourite. We also have a
whole new swag of pooches this year featuring some
semi famous mutts from owners around the country
including Jim Maxwell (ABC Cricket Commentator),
Michael Keelen (Radio & TV Personality), Scott
Thompson (Adelaide Crows AFL), Peter Forrestal
(Wine Journalist), Chloe Maxwell (Radio & TV
Personality) and Mat Rogers (Dual Rugby League &
Union International).
Sometimes I feel that Cabernet Sauvignon plays the poor sister to
Shiraz in McLaren Vale. Working in McLaren Vale for over 30 years, I
believe most of my fellow colleagues would agree that Shiraz is the
most well known variety of the region.
Ever since I started drinking red wine, I discovered that my taste
buds would always lean towards Cabernet over Shiraz. Not to say I
didn't enjoy Shiraz, it was just that I preferred Cabernet.
The Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet consistently rewards me, vintage
after vintage I really love this wine.
The vineyard was planted in 1972 and
when I look out the cellar door to my left I
can see those beautiful vines. I enjoy the
fact that I can watch them grow through
the entire season. From bud burst to
picking, through to pruning with the whole
cycle starting all over again each Spring.
So how about including a bottle of the
2009 Lime Cave Cabernet in your next
order?
Helen Glacken, Cellar Door Manager
Four Roads Grenache 2011
Yes that’s right, an old favourite has undergone a slight but very
exciting change.
Going forward the Four Roads will be a straight Grenache much to
the delight of everyone here at Maxwell Wines.
You may remember from past Meanderings a couple of years ago
we purchased a beautiful 88 year old Grenache vineyard . Well here
is the result…...
The brand new 2011 Four Roads Grenache is born. With all of the
hallmarks of what great Grenache is all about. Delicate white
pepper spice along with the luscious red berry fruits that has
already made this newcomer a real staff favourite down here at the
winery.
Don’t forget to include this one with your next order.
Of course the label also features pooches from our
loyal Meanderings members along with some trade
customers and even some of our wonderful sales
representatives.
Just in time for summer, don’t forget to fill your boots
with this little beauty.
Enjoy.
Ellen Street Restaurant
Best wishes to our resident chefs, Ben & Hayley who are to get married in
September. The Ellen Street restaurant will be closed from Monday 27th
August and reopening on Friday 21st September. We look forward to a
bumper Spring season so book a table and check out the soon to be released
Spring menu. Here’s Ben’s latest creation to tide you over in the meantime.
Liqueur Mead Glazed Quail
With Blood Orange, Coriander Salad and Spiced Almonds
Created by Ben Doublet
INGREDIENTS:
(Quail)
• 8 quail
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea Salt
• Crushed black pepper
(Glaze)
• 4 blood oranges (juice & rind only)
• 1/2 cup Maxwell Liqueur Mead
• 2 tbsp honey
• 6 juniper berries
• 1 star anise
(Salad)
• 4 blood oranges
• Rocket
• 2 shallots
• 1 bunch coriander
• 50g mung beans
• olive oil
• sea salt
• handful of spiced almonds
METHOD: Make the glaze by combining the ingredients in a small saucepan
over medium heat. Simmer for 5-6 mins until reduced and slightly syrupy.
Allow to cool slightly and strain, set aside.
A New Face at Maxwell’s
We are delighted to introduce you to our new Restaurant &
Functions Manager, Ilana Hamp, taking the reins from Jo De Araugo
who has moved on to Penny’s Hill.
Ilana comes to us after years of experience in some of the best
restaurants and cocktail bars in Adelaide and is now the face of our
Ellen Street Restaurant. We are lucky to have her on board so be sure
to say hi next time you are down for lunch.
Ilana is always available for your function, wedding and
restaurant enquiries at [email protected].
Wash the quail with cold running water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Refrigerate for 15 mins uncovered until the skin is dry. Rub the quail with
olive oil and season inside and out with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 200 C. Place the quail on an oven tray and baste with the
glaze using a pastry brush. Place in the oven for approx 10-14 mins, basting
with the glaze every 2-3 mins until skin is golden and crispy.
Combine the salad ingredients in a bowl and toss together. Serve the quail on
the salad, pouring the pan juices over the top. Sprinkle with crushed spiced
almonds.
Serves 4.
We recommend our new release 2011 Little Demon Shiraz Grenache as the
perfect match for this delicious meal.
Maxwell Wines PO Box 111 McLaren Vale South Australia 5 171 Winery & Vineyards Olivers Road McLaren Vale South Australia 5171
Telephone +61 8 8323 8200 Facsimile +61 8 8323 8900 E mail [email protected] Website www.maxwellwines.com.au