TN: 1998 Neighbours McLaren Vale Shiraz

[n4sir]

1998 Neighbours McLaren Vale Shiraz (cork): The initial vintage of a co-operative of former Advertiser scribe Robert Mayne and his neighbours, using fruit from their blocks with the wine-making expertise of Chester Osborn from d’Arenberg. Medium to very dark raspberry red with a hint of brick. Earthy, very sweet raspberries/cherries with sugary/confectionery and minty/black pepper characters and just a whiff of the stoker’s apron for interest. Soft entry followed by equally sweet plum/cherry characters with white pepper, medium weight and finishing long, sweet and minty, with just a little bourbon on the rebound about a minute later. No licorice this time around - very fine and balanced, and drinking at its peak, a lot like the Chapel Hill of the same vintage.

Cheers,
Ian

[James Douglas Hook]

Curiously I know that vineyard very well. It is very small 3 acres so there wouldn't be much Neighbours Block around. It has very light sandy soil - you would liken it too a Brini Estate or other Blewitt Springs sandy single vineyards.

Now owned by Maximus Wines - Roland Short.