Product Review
The 2000 Eclipse (a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Shiraz, aged in large American barrels, and bottled unfiltered) is stunning stuff. Its dense purple color is accompanied by gorgeous aromatics of blackberries, super-ripe black cherries, and hints of smoke and underbrush. Like all the Noon offerings, it possesses stunning purity, a fabulous texture, and a long finish (in excess of 35 seconds). Anticipated maturity: now-2014.
During my trip to South Australia I visited with owners Andrew and Rae Noon. They are part of the young, open-minded generation (Rea's father also made wine) that is guided by one goal ... to produce the most uncompromising product possible. In 2000, there are 750 cases of the Eclipse, 260 of the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, and 350 of the Shiraz Reserve, all three staggeringly great efforts from a vintage that, on paper, should not have produced wines this prodigious. Interestingly, I had a chance to taste the Noon offerings opened in my presence against bottles opened twenty-four and
Grenache has claims to have originated in Spain and Sardinia where it is known as Garnacha and Cannonau respectively. No matter where it originated this sun-loving grape has spread with great popularity across the world. The grape’s compatibility with regions that offer long sunny summers ensures a high build up of sugars and conversely low acidity. This and its soft tannin make it a great blending grape with firmer, more structured varieties such as Syrah and Mourvedre to form the trio blend often called GSM. Grenache is frequently grown alongside its blending partners in the esteemed regions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhone valley and accross South Australia. Unlike a lot of other varieties Grenache needs relatively little attention and is quite happy to be left on poor, unirrigated soils. Because of this hearty nature, pockets of old, neglected, but still productive vines have been found around the world. With enough pruning, these old vines yield small amounts of intense fruit with spectacular results in varietal wines. Depending on where it is grown and how it is handled Grenache can vary from earthy and peppery to jammy red and black fruit with sweet spice qualities. It is also the key constituent (at least 50%) in the wines of Banyuls, one of France’s finest Vins Doux Naturels appellations.
Accounting for nearly half of the country’s production, South Australia is one of the most important wine producing regions and consequently reflects the majority of our selection of Australian wine. Production is focused in the south eastern corner around Adelaide where the sub-regions Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and Clare Valley are located. Further south in the state is the Limestone Coast Zone where the cooler sub-regions of Padthaway and Coonawarra produce some of the country’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon.
Red wine is wine made from dark-coloured grape varieties. The color of red differs based on the grapes variety or varieties used.Interestingly, black grapes yield a juice that is greenish-white. The actual red color comes from anthocyan pigments (also called anthocyanins) from the skin of the grape (exceptions are the relatively uncommon teinturier varieties, which produce a red colored juice). Most of the production centers around the extraction of color and flavor from the grape skin.
