Beschreibung:

CHRIS RINGLAND (FORMERLY THREE RIVERS) Chris Ringland, owner and winemaker of this extremely high-end Barossa Valley Shiraz began his own label, Three Rivers, with the 1989 vintage. The wine was declassified in 1997 and due to trademark litigation, released in 1998 under its new name - Chris Ringland. Stone Chimney Creek, a 1.5 hectare plot purchased in 1994 is the source of all production which never exceeds four barrels or 100 cases. The shiraz is made from 90+ year old vines and sees 100 new French oak. These wines show incredible concentration, deft balance and layers of texture and flavor that tantalize the palate. This is simply Australian Shiraz at its apogee. JBR Three Rivers, Shiraz--Vintage 1996 In individual original wooden cases (3) "A colossal effort and very much in keeping with the style produced by the owner/winemaker Chris Ringland, the 1996 Shiraz (only 100 cases produced) is made from 90-year old vines. Following malolactic fermentation in cask, it spent 40 months in new oak prior to being bottled unfiltered. This is arguably the greatest Shiraz made in Australia, but sadly, there is little of it. This viscous, black/purple-colored wine represents the essence of both wine and Shiraz. With impeccable balance, uncanny as well as unreal levels of concentration, yet perfectly integrated tannin, acidity, alcohol, and wood, it is akin to a dry vintage port. Once past the explosive bouquet of creme de cassis, espresso, melted fudge, and graphite, this massive yet seamless wine offers layers of unctuously-textured flavors crammed with blackberries, smoke, charcoal, and currants. The finish lasts for 70+ seconds. The wine should prove to be immortal, lasting for 30-50 years, but who is going to wait that long to unleash the magic? This is compelling stuff! I just wish there were ten times the quantity produced. Kudos to Chris Ringland for this ultimate Australian blockbuster Shiraz. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040." Robert Parker Wine Advocate #135 (Jun 2001) Chris Ringland, Shiraz --Vintage 1998 In individual original wooden cases (3) "The Chris Ringland (formerly known as Three Rivers Shiraz), which is aged 42 months in 100 new French oak, and is rarely racked until bottling, represents an extraordinary expression of Barossa Shiraz. The perfect 1998, made from a single, 88-year-old vineyard cropped at one ton of fruit per acre, soaked up its wood component as if it is not even present." Robert Parker Wine Advocate #155 (October 2004) --Vintage 1999 In individual original wooden cases (3) "The intense 1999, released in 2004, demonstrates that this vintage is somewhat underrated after all the hype over 1998. From a vineyard planted in 1910, its inky/purple color is accompanied by aromas of lavender, lard, smoke, licorice, blackberries, cassis, espresso roast, chocolate, and pepper. Full-bodied, slightly less voluminous than the perfect 1998, with an unctuous texture, sweet tannin, and a 70+ second finish, this magnificent, still young Shiraz should be accessible in 3-5 years, and last for two decades." Robert Parker Wine Advocate #155 (October 2004) Above 9 bottles per lot