Nikki's First Pick: 2003
Shiraz/Merlot
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We are proud to offer for sale very limited quantities of this commemorative
wine. You cannot imagine the pain we went through while making this wine.
Nikki was excited about coming home to pick our first vintage at Ballandean. She
picked up Michael and his university friends, who were to help pick, from
Warwick while Dad followed behind with the equipment. Paul Morton, who was
Michael's best friend said "shotgun front seat" and relegated Michael to the
back seat with Matt and Shane.
They never made it. As they passed the southern bypass at Stanthorpe an elderly
man towing a caravan drove straight through the give way sign crushing Nikki's
car. Nikki and Paul were killed and the young men in the back seat, although
injured, were mercifully saved.
Some wonderful friends and family helped to pick the grapes so that we could
make this wine. There were many logistical problems with this vintage. The
winery itself was not yet built. Only the concrete floor had been laid. Nikki's
body was buried with the floor paint still clinging like nail polish to her
toes where she had accidentally brushed the roller over her feet.
The fermentation went through in a tank on the concrete slab "in the paddock".
God was merciful with the weather and grey skies predominated during the
vintage and the temperature was ideal. Commuting back and forth from Warwick
twice a day to pump the wine over, while arranging the funeral and visiting
Michael who was in hospital in Brisbane with a smashed jaw was an additional
difficulty.
The result you may judge for yourself, but we believe we have produced a
beautiful well rounded wine that will last many years and this associated story
will be timeless.
Nikki's First Pick is a full bodied Shiraz with 20 percent Merlot to fill out
the palate. Two years maturing in French oak has contributed to the complex
mixture of aromas, especially liquorice, roasted coffee and integrated fruit.
This is a connoisseur's wine to be savoured on a special occasion.
Nikki's Vineyard Syrah:
2004 (Shiraz)
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Nikki's Vineyard 2004 Syrah is a delicate dry red wine with lots of flavour. A
complex aroma hinting of cherries and raspberries integrated with liquorice and
coffee resulting from the 18 months aging in French Oak Barriques. Peppery on
the palate, with a long rich finish. Excellent for drinking now but will also
cellar well.
Nikki's Vineyard Syrah:
2005 (Shiraz)
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Bronze Medal - Brisbane Wine Festival 2006 (Class: Bordeaux
Varietal)
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Merlot is a 'soft' and rounded red wine that has wide appeal. Even those people
not used to red wine should enjoy drinking this wine. The nose is plum with
chocolate overtones from 18 months aging in French oak barrels. It is excellent
drinking now, but will also last if cellared properly for many years.
Sweet Syrah & Muscat: 2006
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Sweet Syrah and Muscat is if for red wine lovers with a sweet tooth.
This wonderful blend includes fantastic berry fruit flavours of the Syrah and a lovely spicy sweetness from the Muscat.
This wine is best served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own or with your favourite spicy dish.
At Just Red Wines we endeavour to have one wine available at a very affordable
price for everyday consumption. To reduce costs, this 2004 Shiraz is made using
oak chips in addition to some older barrels. It was one of these older barrels
that created the story given on the back label. The winemaker thought that this
barrel was "off" but after seeing the mystical face apparent on the barrel, he
retried the wine and decided it was good enough to add into the blend.
"Blessed" is quite spicy and has a peppery quality typical of Shiraz. We drink
it almost every day ourselves and at the price it represents good value and it
really does grow on you.
Blessed Shiraz 2004 is a well balanced, medium-bodied wine with a distinct
coffee/leathery aroma, complimented by a hint of berry fruit. With
spicy/peppery flavours on the palate, it is ideal at a barbeque or served with
cheeses.
Wine may be purchased by printing our mail order form and sending
via mail to PO BOX 49, Ballandean, QLD, 4382
Wine may also be puchased by credit card using our secure online system
Some of our wine is available by the bottle from selected distributors and
retailers:
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