The Auswine Forum

Received my mailer from Grateful Palate.

Here's a new addition to their portfolio


Two Way Range

The Story of Two Way Range Barossa Valley Shiraz

Paul Clancy and Iain Seabrook are two typical Australian "mates". However, their friendship is a little deeper than most, because they share the experience of being Vietnam veterans.

Both Iain and Paul served in the Australian army in Vietnam in 1966, 67-68 and fought alongside American troops on a number of occasions. The Australians were excellent jungle fighters who had learned their bush skills in the jungles of Malaya and Borneo.

Australian soldiers (Diggers) have a quirky, if not black, sense of humor; it is this humor that is behind the name of this new release Barossa Valley Shiraz. When the Australian soldiers went out on operations in the jungles of Vietnam they used to quip that they were "going for a walk on the two way range" - meaning they were going out onto a shooting range where the targets shoot back!

Fortunately, Iain and Paul survived their time on the two way range and returned to Australia physically unscathed to return to their former occupations. Iain is a member of the famous Australian wine family, W.J. Seabrook & Co which was founded in 1878. Iain makes the Two Way Range Shiraz. Paul is a wine industry publisher and owns an historic original settler's vineyard on Jacob's Creek in the Barossa Valley. Paul and his wife Fran grow premium Shiraz grapes which go into some of the Valley's better known labels, such as Rockford (Chris Ringland) and St Hallett.

Iain, who with his wife Wendy, also lives in the Barossa Valley at Tanunda, has recently retired from his wine broking business and is making the Seabrook & Clancy Wine Co's wine.

Paul and Iain are very pleased with this, the first vintage (2002) of the Two Way Range. The wine is packaged in a heavy, Burgundy bottle, tissue wrapped and packed in six packs.

"A bit too classy for a couple of old Diggers like us, but the wine is so good it deserved the best. It's big and gutsy - a bit like me," joked Paul. "Seriously, this is a wonderful expression of super-charged Barossa Shiraz - a wine not for the faint hearted, but one which will compliment a decent steak, some game meat or a hearty stew. It's the sort of wine that if it was a soldier, you'd like to have it on your side - just like we were on your side in Vietnam all those years ago,and still are today in Iraq, We hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did making it - and drinking it!"




Anyone had it yet?

Thanks!
MT

A Google search indicates that it looks like it's the US export special that is exclusive to the GP.

The text you provided certainly sounds like it has been tailor-made for the US market. Based on past experience, the GP prices should be looked at with some level of care, they are not exactly renowned for inexpensive, great value wine.

I've had the 2002 and the 2003 is in the cellar awaiting its time of consumption. My TN on the 2002 is below. You can see how it rates with other Shiraz from 2002 here.

Two Way Range Barossa Valley Shiraz 2002 $49.99USD
Dense cherry red with red edge. Pronounced blackberry, plumb and pepper. Full bodied, very well structured with a solid backbone of firm tannins and an elegant acid finish. Flavors carry though on retronasal for a lengthy finish. A food wine that was marred by the development of a slightly unpleasant herbaceousness. Considering the level of alcohol this wine holds itself together well. At 24 hours it showed a toasted flavor and some vanilla and was softer on the palate with that lively acid still evident on the finish. 2, 2, 4.3, 9.7 = 18.0/20, 90/100. 15.6% alcohol. Tasted September 22-23, 2004.

Its nice wine that went well with food, even with the high alcohol. But I wouldn't say its great value at $50/btl. As Ric says its probably made for the US market - Parker gave the 2002 a 94.

EDIT: It might be useful to read this tasting comparison. Comes in third out of eight wines, but considering the descriptions some of the wines get you wonder what these folks are drinking - and at what temperature.

I paid the same price for the 2003, and while I haven't tasted it yet it will have its work cut out to be better than the 2003 Tim Smith Barossa Shiraz at $40USD or the excellent 2003 Winter Creek Barossa Valley Shiraz which is a steal at $28USD.

Mike

A food wine that was marred by the development of a slightly unpleasant herbaceousness.

Thanks Mikey!
Would have bought if not for the above statement. Loved a "stand alone Barossa ripper" and herbeceousness I can barely tolerate even in good Cab Sau.