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Wednesday, June 27, 2018
RED FIVE STAR WINERY
Winery Awarded 5 Red Stars by
James Halliday Wine Companion“Outstanding Winery Regularly Producing Wines
Of Exemplary Quality And Typicity.
Will Have At Least 2 Wines Rated At 95 Points Or Above,
And Had A Five – Star Rating For The Previous 2 Years.
2016 Houdini Sauvignon Blanc 12.5% Alc
SMIDGEADELAIDE HILLS SOUTH AUSTRALIA
HOUDINI SERIES
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = In the glass this wine is extremely pale straw in colour,
initially the nose is full of honeydew and kiwi fruit, with subtle citrus
along with hints of straw and minerals.
PALATE = The palate is fresh and crisp with hints of fine honeydew
melon, gooseberry and subtle passionfruit, followed by soft straw and
minerality. This wine is long and balanced with vibrant acidity.
CELLARING = Smidge recommends drinking this wine over the next
3 to 4 years, with freshly shucked oysters.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
2016 Houdini Cabernet Sauvignon 14.8% Alc
SMIDGEMcLAREN VALE SOUTH AUSTRALIA
HOUDINI SERIES
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = As soon as this wine is poured into the glass the colour is
black to the core with a brick red rim. The aroma of lifted plums and
blackcurrant with notes of violets, chocolate, tobacco, wet ash and
herbs are immediate.
PALATE = On the palate the wine is juicy on entry and the mid palate
is full of dark fruits with a thread of herbs and spice. The wine finishes
long and juicy, balanced with a mouthful of fine tannins.
CELLARING = Smidge recommends drinking this wine now or with careful cellaring can keep till 2025.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
2016 Houdini Shiraz 14.5% Alc
SMIDGEMcLAREN VALE SOUTH AUSTRALIA
HOUDINI SERIES
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = In the glass the McLaren Vale Houdini Shiraz is black to the
core. The nose evolves with lots of dark fruit, chocolate and mocha,
developing fresh charcuterie and some hints of attractive French oak
and spice.
PALATE = The palate is dense and juicy supported by subtle French
oak, mocha and fine focused tannins.
CELLARING = Smidge recommends drinking this wine now and until 2025.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
2015 La Grenouille Cabernet Sauvignon 14.5% Alc
SMIDGEMcLAREN VALE SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WHITE LABEL SERIES
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = As soon as this wine is poured the colour is black to the
core with a magenta rim. The aromas are deep, with dark cherries
and chocolate, rich blackcurrants, subtle ash, licorice and a hint of
spice and tobacco.
PALATE = The palate continues the dark cherries and chocolate
with a dense juiciness and ripe tannins delivering a long and
structured finish.
CELLARING = Drink now and until 2025 with careful cellaring.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
2015 Adamo Shiraz 15.5% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = Upon pouring, the 2014 Adamo is black to the core with a
magenta rim. Aromas of blackberry and dark cherry jump from the glass
with subtle violets, chocolate and spice.
PALATE = First up on the palate there is plenty of dark fruit and spice with
a vein of delicious chocolate. The wine is soft and tight with a wonderful
balance of acidity and fine tannins giving the palate great length and
complexity.
CELLARING = This wine can be drunk now or with careful cellaring can
be enjoyed until 2030.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne International
Wine Competition 2014
SMIDGEBAROSSA VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WHITE LABEL SERIES
2015 The Ging Shiraz 14.9% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = It was relatively dry and mild in McLaren Vale with some well
– timed rain events resulting in what will be considered a very solid
vintage. In the glass the Ging has a black core with a deep red /
magenta rim. The aromas are complex and evolving, with lifted fresh
notes of mocha, vanilla and dark chocolate supported by attractive
plums, spice, chary cedar, anise and grilled meats.
PALATE = On the palate this wine is full of juicy soft plums, which run
through the palate, mocha, graphite, cedar and spice and finishes long
and balanced with fine tannins and subtle meaty tones.
CELLARING = Drink now until 2030 with careful cellaring.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne International
Wine Competition 2014
SMIDGEMcLAREN VALE SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WHITE LABEL SERIES
2015 The GruVe Gruner Veltliner 12.5% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = In the glass the Gruner Veltliner, (or GruVe as we like
to call it) is very pale straw with fine green hue. The nose is lifted
with a flinty minerality and a loaf of citrus (more fresh limes than
lemons) with a subtle herby peppery and floral notes.
PALATE = Again the citrus is prevalent on the palate followed by
a fine peppery note. The mouth watering acidity combines with
the fruit and peppery notes to deliver a long and fresh finish.
CELLARING = Drink now or until 2025 with careful cellaring.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
SMIDGEADELAIDE HILLS SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WHITE LABEL SERIES
2014 Pedra Branca Sauvignon Blanc 12.8% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
ABOUT PEDRA BRANCA = Pedra Branca is Portuguese for white rock
and is a rocky outcrop ~ 25 km south of Tasmania. Here the forces of nature
create a unique environment with amazing surf. We used this as the
inspiration for our project series to celebrate nature and her capacity to
create something remarkable.
COLOUR = In the glass the 2014 Pedra Branca Sauvignon Blanc is pale
straw in colour with a slight green hue.
AROMA = The nose has subtle pineapple notes, with baked apple and
custard balanced with straw, a brioche yeastiness, minerals and oyster
shell. This interesting array of characters combine giving a complex yet
clean nose.
PALATE = The palate is initially quite tropical, then ripples of subtle straw
and herbal tones build. Coupled with a gunflint mentality and a tight acidity,
the palate is long, vibrant and textural.
CELLARING = Drink now or until 2025 if well cellared.
VITICULTURE = 2014 was a great vintage with generally warm dry
conditions and cool nights. As a result the juice and resultant wine had great
flavour and acidity. The Sauvignon blanc was picked from the Christmas Hill
Vineyard in Kuitpo in immaculate condition, and is arguably one of the best
Sauvignon blanc vineyards in the region.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION = This wine results from juice with fine
solids (fluffy lees) being fermented with wild yeast in 100% new fine grained
French barriques. Usually this wine spends about 10 months in oak with
regular lees stiring (battonage)...the 2014 spent approximately 20 months in
oak as the acidity was laser like and as a result the wine needed some more
time in oak to help integrate it. After bottling, the wine spent 9 months in
bottle before release.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne International
Wine Competition 2014
SMIDGEADELAIDE HILLS SOUTH AUSTRALIA
PEDRA BRANCA SERIES
2013 Pedra Branca Mourvedre 13.3% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = This Pedra Branca Mourvedre has a black core with a
wonderful magenta rim. On the nose, there are immediate red and
black juicy fruits, smokey meats, floral and spice tones, and hints of
cedar and cream.
PALATE = The palate explodes with juicy red fruits onto the early
and mid palate, with an underlying meatiness and spice building to
the late palate. This wine is balanced by fine tannins and a tight
finish.
CELLARING = Drink now or with careful cellaring until 2027.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION = This wine has been wild yeast
fermented with 50% whole bunches and matured in older French
puncheons (500L).
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
SMIDGEBAROSSA VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
PEDRA BRANCA SERIES
2013 S Smitch Shiraz 15.0% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = In the glass the 2010 “S” has a black core with a deep red
rim. There are elegant aromas of red black fruits, and spicy earthy
notes with a hint of grilled meats, graphite and controlled oak.
PALATE = On the palate the fruit continues with rich plums, and
blueberries and delicate spice and chocolate which all roll on to a
juicy palate with fine tannins that go on … and on.
CELLARING = Smidge recommends drinking this wine between
2014 and 2030.
95 Points James Halliday Australian Wine Companion
2017 Edition
JAMES HALLIDAY’S COMMENTS
This is a limited production of the best barriques of the vintage, in this
instance, five. It is exceptionally powerful, luscious and velvety, the
oak and tannins standing back to allow the fruit unfettered freedom to
express itself. A juicy replay unexpectedly appears long into the
aftertaste.
Drink to 2042.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
SMIDGEBAROSSA VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
FLAGSHIP PREMIUM
2014 Greenock Barossa Valley Shiraz 15.4% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
MAGIC DIRT has been inspired by the various sub regions’ terroir of South
Australia’s Barossa Valley. After several years of trials, we originally chose
three subregions that show profound differences, but still reflect the true
qualities of great Barossa Valley Shiraz. All vineyards selected are trellised
with a single cordon, single catch wire, and planted with the clone 1654. In
2014 the range was relaxed to 4 wines again with the omission of the
Willunga Block. The philosophy has remained the same...the barrel selected
truly showcases the vineyard it is from and not every subregion is selected
every year if the representation is not seen.
COLOUR – Black core with deep red rim.
NOSE – The richest and fullest of the Barossa Valley vineyards, with 2014
being no exception. Aromas are fresh and lifted with red / black fruits,
graphite, scorched earth and spice.
PALATE – Is vibrant with red fruits, earthy notes and underlying cedar with
long fine chewy tannins and fresh acidity contributing to a seamless finish.
CELLARING – There is a lot going on here and as a result, I feel that this
wine will drink well 2019 – 2035.
VITICULTURE – Centrally located this vineyard is 2.4 kilometres south west
of Moppa, and 4.5 kilometres north of Stonewell. It is planted in classic red
brown earth, with rich loam over heavy red clay. This soil encourages
phenolic development and the north-south orientation, with a southerly aspect
reduces exposure resulting in richness of flavour and good tannins.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION – Fermented in a 2t open top vessel,
fermentation lasted 12 days with total time on skins of 21 days before being
drained and pressed. The free run and pressings were blended and then the
component earmarked for this wine was matured in 3 year old French
barrique for 26 months. The wine was then fined lightly and bottled without
filtration. Matured in bottle for 24 months before release.
96 Points James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2018
Edition
SMIDGEBAROSSA VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MAGIC DIRT SERIES
2014 Mengler’s Hill Eden Valley Shiraz 15.0% Alc
SMIDGEEDEN VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MAGIC DIRT SERIES
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
MAGIC DIRT has been inspired by the various sub regions’ terroir of South
Australia’s Barossa Valley. After several years of trials, we originally chose
three subregions that show profound differences, but still reflect the true
qualities of great Barossa Valley Shiraz. All vineyards selected are trellised
with a single cordon, single catch wire, and planted with the clone 1654. In
2014 the range was relaxed to 4 wines again with the omission of the
Willunga Block. The philosophy has remained the same...the barrel selected
truly showcases the vineyard it is from and not every subregion is selected
every year if the representation is not seen.
COLOUR – Deep red core with magenta rim.
NOSE – Fresh and lifted with red fruits and plums, subtle chocolate, cedar,
five spice and dried herbs.
PALATE – Is full of dense dark fruit on the entry with chocolate, licorice and
spice balanced by fine tannins, resulting in a long and focussed finish.
CELLARING – This wine will drink well 2018 – 2035.
VITICULTURE – This block on Mengler’s Hill is approximately 4.5 kilometres
to the south of Angaston in one of the highest vineyards in Eden Valley at
500m above sea level. The location benefits from clay loam soils riddled with
ironstone and small amounts of quartz. A higher altitude and corresponding
cooler climate offer warm days and cold nights resulting in wines of elegance
that are both vibrant and spicy.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION – Fermented in a small open top vessel,
fermentation lasted 9 days with total time on skins was 16 days before being
drained and pressed. The free run and pressings were blended and then the
component earmarked for this wine was matured in 3 year old French
barrique for 25 months. The wine was then fined lightly and bottled without
filtration. Matured in bottle for 24 months before release.
97 Points & Special Value James Halliday Australian Wine
Companion 2018 Edition
2013 Moppa Barossa Valley Shiraz 14.5% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
MAGIC DIRT – has been inspired by the various sub regions’ terroir of South
Australia’s Barossa Valley. After several years of trials, we originally chose three
subregions that show profound differences, but still reflect the true qualities of great
Barossa Valley Shiraz. All vineyards selected are trellised with a single cordon,
single catch wire, and planted with the clone 1654. In 2012 the range was ex-tended
with a wine from a vineyard on Mengler’s Hill in Eden Valley and in 2013 a fifth wine
was included from Willunga in McLaren Vale. The philosophy has remained the
same...the barrel selected truly showcases the vineyard it is from although not every
subregion is selected every year if the true representation is not seen.
COLOUR – black core with deep red rim.
NOSE – is full of dark fruits and spice with fresh charcuterie, graphite, subtle earth
and peppery
PALATE – the most restrained of the Barossa Valley trio, the 2013 Moppa exhibits a
backbone of fresh and juicy dark fruits with subtle spice and earth notes that carry
through to the late palate, balanced with fine savoury tannins giving a long seamless
finish.
CELLARING – Drink now to 2030 if cellared well.
VITICULTURE – Situated on the south eastern slope of Mt Moppa, vine-yard is at an
altitude of approximately 400m above sea level, and a soil profile of deep red/ brown
loam, mottled with quartz and iron-stone fragments. The rows run north-south, and
the combined elevation and southerly aspect contribute to the softness and spiciness
of this Shiraz, with Moppa being the most elegant and restrained of the 3 wines.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION – Fermented in an open top vessel, fermentation
lasted 8 days with total time on skins was 16 days before being drained and pressed.
The free run and pressings were blended and then the component earmarked for this
wine was matured in 3 year old French barrique for 23 months. The wine was then
fined lightly and bottled without filtration. Matured in bottle for 17 months before
release.
95 Points James Halliday Aust Wine Companion 2017 Edition
JAMES HALLIDAY’S COMMENTS = Warmth of cedar and wood smoke curls out of
the bouquet, and the palate picks up the oak line without any hesitation or
prevarication. This is the most elegant of the Magic Dirt Series.
SMIDGEBAROSSA VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MAGIC DIRT SERIES
2013 Stonewell Barossa Valley Shiraz 14.5% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
MAGIC DIRT – has been inspired by the various sub regions’ terroir of South
Australia’s Barossa Valley. After several years of trials, we originally chose three
subregions that show profound differences, but still reflect the true qualities of great
Barossa Valley Shiraz. All vineyards selected are trellised with a single cordon, single
catch wire, and planted with the clone 1654. In 2012 the range was extended with a
wine from a vineyard on Mengler’s Hill in Eden Valley and in 2013 a fifth wine was
included from Willunga in McLaren Vale. The philosophy has remained the same...the
barrel selected truly showcases the vineyard it is from although not every subregion is
selected every year if the true representation is not seen.
COLOUR – black core with magenta rim.
NOSE – vibrant and perfumed with red and purple fruits, wet stone and earth with
subtle lavender and pepper
PALATE – the early palate is quite restrained then builds with plums and spice and
then remains juicy throughout, balanced with fresh acid and fine fo-cussed tannins
CELLARING – The 2013 Stonewell, although restrained in its youth, is balanced with
plenty of stuffing and will continue to benefit from a few years in the cellar and can be
enjoyed to 2030 if cellared well.
VITICULTURE – The most southern of the Barossa Valley Magic Dirt blocks, this
vineyard is midway down a westerly sloping hill. The rows run north-south and the
vines grow in well drained red clay / loam soils that contain large amounts of ironstone
with smaller amounts of slate and quartz.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION – Fermented in a small open top vessel,
fermentation lasted 8 days with total time on skins was 14 days before being drained
and pressed. The free run and pressings were blended and then the component
earmarked for this wine was matured in 3 year old French barrique for 23 months. The
wine was then fined lightly and bottled without filtration. Matured in bottle for 17
months before release.
95 Points James Halliday Aust Wine Companion 2017 Edition
JAMES HALLIDAY’S COMMENTS = This is particularly complex, with rich blackberry
and plum fruit, sufficient to carry both the new oak and the alcohol without complaint.
The ripe, powerful and balanced tannins are at one with the fruit.
SMIDGEBAROSSA VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MAGIC DIRT SERIES
2013 Willunga McLaren Vale Shiraz 14.6% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
MAGIC DIRT – was originally inspired by the various sub regions’ terroir of South
Australia’s Barossa Valley. After several years of trials, we originally chose three
subregions that show profound differences, but still reflect the true qualities of great
Barossa Valley Shiraz. All vine-yards selected are trellised with a single cordon, single
catch wire, and planted with the clone 1654. In 2012 the range was extended with a
wine from a vineyard on Mengler’s Hill in Eden Valley and in 2013 a fifth wine was
included from Willunga in McLaren Vale. The philosophy has remained the same...the
barrel selected truly showcases the vineyard it is from although not every subregion is
selected every year if the true representation is not seen
COLOUR – black core with a fine red rim.
NOSE – the aromas are fresh, dense and scream McLaren Vale...with plums,
chocolate, graphite, subtle vanilla and cedar.
PALATE – The palate is dense and dark with juicy plums and dark chocolate. The
fleshy fruit runs all the way through the palate carrying the chewy tannins with it.
CELLARING – Although drinkable now with a good steak, a bit of time in the cellar
would be beneficial...drink now until 2030.
VITICULTURE – Located in the Western outskirts of Willunga adjacent to White’s
Valley at the Southern end of McLaren Vale. The soil profile is deep red/brown
clay/loam mottled with small fragments of quartz and ironstone encouraging phenolic
development. Row orientation is North-South and the single catch wire allows for an
open canopy that provides a good balance of shade and flecked light.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION – Fermented in a small open top vessel,
fermentation lasted 10 days with total time on skins was 16 days be-fore being drained
and pressed. The free run and pressings were blended and then the component
earmarked for this wine was matured in 3 year old French barrique for 23 months. The
wine was then fined lightly and bottled without filtration. Matured in bottle for 17
months before release.
96 Points James Halliday Aust Wine Companion 2017 Edition
JAMES HALLIDAY’S COMMENTS = The bouquet of pure, fresh picked wild
blackberry, becomes the essence of the full bodied palate. Oak maturation has
rounded the tannins to the point where they are welded to the fruit.
SMIDGEMcLAREN VALE SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MAGIC DIRT SERIES
N/V Blend 1. Rutherglen Grand Muscat 18.0% Alc
James Halliday Winery Rating
***** RED 5 STAR WINERY *****
AROMA = In the glass this Rutherglen Grand Muscat is deep
walnut in colour with some subtle red to amber hues and a hint of
olive in the rim. The aroma’s start with deep raisons, fruit cake and
subtle fresh rancio notes all balanced with a sweet spirit.
PALATE = The palate is soft, nutty and sweet. The spirit is fine,
and beautiful rancio notes meld with the volume of sweetness, all
the while being refined with vibrant yet soft acid, resulting in a
balanced classical style.
CELLARING = Smidge recommends drinking this wine between
2014 to 2030.
Best Private Label Producer Melbourne
International Wine Competition 2014
SMIDGEBAROSSA VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA