JSM SHIRAZ, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CABERNET FRANC 2012

Appearance: Deep purple with red hues.

Nose: The nose reveals an enticing array of blackcurrant, plum, smoky toast, anise and black cherry with hints of charcuterie and a fresh leafy lift. Interwoven black cardamom and nigella aromas derived from barrels used in fermentation add to the wine's aromatic complexity

Palate: A rich, full flavoured front and mid palate is laden with blackberry, red cherry, plums and blackcurrant layered with hints of strawberry and vanilla cream, all interlaced with rich toasty oak and dark chocolate. The wines luscious fruit is framed by long textural Cabernet tannins integrated with balanced and elegant oak tannins. A great drinking wine of complexity and substance.

About the wine: JSM is named after decorated army Captain, James Stanley Malpas who was born in Willunga in 1873. His family lived in what is now our Cellar Door cottage. James, the youngest son of Henry and Mary Malpas made his mark early. In 1891 at the age of 18, he carved his initials in the stone lintel above the front door. James studied at Roseworthy Agricultural College where he graduated as a Gold Medalist. In 1915 he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and was posted to Gallipoli where he was promoted to Captain. A few months later he developed typhoid fever and returned to Australia to recover. The following year James rejoined the 27th Battalion on the Somme (France) but was wounded in action with a severe gunshot wound in his left armpit, along with nerve injury and a superficial wound in his right forearm.

He was sent to England for convalescence and returned to Australia three months later in February 1917. He was discharged from the AIF in August of the same year with 25% incapacity. James was awarded the Military Cross for ‘conspicuous gallantry in action’ after displaying great resourcefulness and dash in getting his company out of an almost impossible position in the trenches in Gallipoli. James died in 1937 at the age of 64 and his grave can be found in the township of Willunga.

Country: McLaren Vale, Australia

Grape Variety: Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc

ABV: 14.5%