Amazing 93RP Terlato Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier 2011

This wine caused quite an uproar when Dave McIntyre of the Washington Post reviewed the 2010 vintage of Domaine Terlato-Chapoutier Shiraz-Viognier and called it a great value at $20 giving it *** stars. Rightfully so as it is consistently a great wine even receiving 90 points from Wine Spectator. But let's fast forward to today as we have for you the 2011 vintage. As this is the best wine they have ever produced. This scored an amazing 93 points by Robert Parker himself during his visit to the Domaine. 

Wine & Spirits Magazine gave it 92 Points: "When is the last time you drank a refreshing Aussie Shiraz? This one plays off the spicy black peppercorn character of the grape: Its crisp, sour cherry fruit is herbal and delicious with a light peppery buzz at the end. A northern Rhone lookalike from Michael Chapoutier's joint venture with the Terlato family. "

We are also offering a Sale Price of $16.95 with a Special Case Price of $15.98. Free Shipping on All Orders of 12 Bottles or more of Domaine Terlato Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier 2011. Free Shipping Offer Ends October 15, 2013. This wine is available for tasting.

Tastings this Friday and Saturday: We will have available Torbreck Juveniles, White, and Shiraz. Great values from the Loire Valley and Mellot and Lauverjat Sancerres. We will also release and taste a Double 93pt Chianti Reserva that was one of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of the Year for 2012. 

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier 

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier combines the vision of Anthony J. Terlato, the founder of luxury importer and marketer Terlato Wines International, and Michel Chapoutier, the esteemed Rhône grower and vintner whose compelling wines have been exalted by critics around the world including Robert Parker who called him “One of the most influential wine personalities of the last 20 years” and “One of the best winemakers on the planet."

The origin of the Terlato & Chapoutier partnership in Australia dates back to 1998, when Chapoutier enthusiastically told Terlato about a top vineyard site in Australia. Located on an eastern-facing slope on the southern edge of the Pyrenees Hills in western Central Victoria, the region's soil could produce “great wines,” according to Chapoutier.

The Shiraz-Viognier is a unique blend, using the Côte Rôtie tradition of combining 5% Viognier with 95% Shiraz, A spicy Shiraz brightens with a boost of Viognier for aroma and balance, as often practiced in France’s most highly regarded appellation of the Northern Rhone Valley, Côte Rôtie. The grapes grown in this Australian vineyard were planted on 19th century French rootstocks, another nod to the French tradition & influence in this new world wine. They were destemmed and fermented in cement and stainless steel tanks. The maceration lasts 3 weeks in order to give the wine the good tannic structure required for aging and stability. A portion of the Viognier grapes were added during fermentation to fully integrate the flavor and tannins. This wine has a round structure with fine tannins. It shows deep color and has a nice black pepper spiciness to it with intense flavors of red and black berries, followed by hints of exotic fruits.

Washington Post- Dave McIntyre (Review of the previous 2010 Vintage)
*** Stars (Out of Three) Exceptional
Victoria, Australia, $20
(Great Value)
"This French-American joint venture combines Michel Chapoutier, a legend in the northern Rhone Valley, with Anthony Terlato, the U.S. importer who made Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio a sensation in this country. The result is an Australian Cote Rotie, a compelling combination of earth, fruit and spice. Those of us who bemoan the globalization of wine should celebrate this example of international cooperation." 

Wine Advocate 93 Points: "Although these wines are normally reviewed by my colleagues David Schildknect in his Languedoc-Roussillon and Alsace reports and Lisa Perrotti-Brown in her reviews of Australian wines, I tasted them during my visit with Chapoutier, so I will include them in this report as they are of high quality and merit attention. I will just list the wines, my score, and the region from which they emerge. – Robert Parker"

Wine & Spirits Magazine 92 Points: "When is the last time you drank a refreshing Aussie Shiraz? This one plays off the spicy black peppercorn character of the grape: Its crisp, sour cherry fruit is herbal and delicious with a light peppery buzz at the end. A northern Rhone lookalike from Michael Chapoutier's joint venture with the Terlato family. "