At Rutherglen Estates we have been eagerly awaiting of the release of our new Shelley's Block (2009 Marsanne Viognier) and Burgoyne's Block (2008 Mourvedre Shiraz Grenache).
We undertook an extensive process to determine the right names and labels to revamp our take on these traditional Rhone-inspired blends. An online survey of a random sample of Cellar Club members was conducted to ask questions about what names, labels and stories people found appealing - with Shelley's Block (2009 Marsanne Viognier) and Burgoyne's Block (2008 Mourvedre Shiraz Grenache) overwhelmingly the most popular.
We had an amazing 70% response rate and would like to thank our Cellar Club members for their participation and support - your input was invaluable.
We are so pleased with the outcome of these wines - the names and labels look fantastic, and the wines inside the bottle are our best yet of these blends. So, as we do at Rutherglen Estates ... enjoy!
Shelley's Block (2009 Marsanne Viognier)
We are proud to be releasing our newly labelled Shelley's Block. This unoaked blend of Marsanne and Viognier is a perfect alliance of varieties that share a common heritage and show a natural affinity for each other. Marsanne provides the fresh, fruit citrus backbone of the wine, with Viognier adding richness and intensity to both the palate and the nose.
Daniel Moore, Who Weekly, 5 July 2010
DRINK ME! RUTHERGLEN ESTATES SHELLEY'S BLOCK MARSANNE VIOGNIER 2009
'White blends can throw up some great combinations, and this one is increasinlgy popular: the Marsanne (70 percent) is fresh and fruity, and the Viognier adds a rich intensity. Victoria's Rutherglen region has long made great fortified wines, and has built up a reputation for the fine table wines. Like this.'
David Sutherland, The Border Mail, 4 June 2010
'The thing I really like about this wine, and also the red I reviewed last week, is the palate length of the wines. These are $30 wines, they are $15 wines, but their texture and length are outstanding. With food: salads, light sauce pastas'
Burgoyne's Block (2008 Mourvedre Shiraz Grenache)
We are proud to be releasing our newly labelled Burgoyne's Block. An unique version of a traditional blend, Mourvedre, Shiraz and Grenache, is dominated by Mourvedre and displays aromas and flavours of truffles, pepper, spice and red berry fruits, with subtle hints of vanilla, and a fresh lingering finish.
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age Epicure, 13 July 2010
RUTHERGLEN ESTATES BURGOYNE'S BLOCK 2008
'Named for the Burgoyne family, whose 1890s vineyard site provided the Mourvedre, Shiraz and Grenache grapes for this blend, it's a rustic red smelling of blackberries, meaty richness, cumin and spice. It tastes spicy too, but with smooth texture, good body and balanced, briary tannins. Food ideas: Lebanese lamb pastries, cheese and spinach pide'
Zoe Rudder, Ovens & Murray Advertiser, 2 June 2010
RUTHERGLEN ESTATES BURGOYNE'S BLOCK
'... This delightful blend of Mourvedre, Shiraz and Grenache is a particularly drinkable wine, offering up a host of moreish flavours. There are a lot of ripe berry fruits here, woven in perfectly with a pepper and leathery richness. The Grenache delivers softer notes of strawberry and vanilla. Some time spent maturing with a small amount of spicy French oak adds a nice degree of complexity and roundness to the finish. This is definetly not a wine for light dishes and needs to be teamed with something rich, like a steak or a casserole. If red meats don't float your boat, try it with a homemakde chicken cacciatore.'
David Sutherland, The Border Mail, 28 May 2010
'This is a really good undemanding red. The nose is ripe and spicy, with peppery, red-berry fruit. The palate is soft and elegant, with sweet-fruit abounding, not as dry as the French style but with soft tannins and good length. With food: tuscan suasages, pizza'
