The vineyard is named after the historical property established in 1892 after the family acquired the property in 1996, with the first vintage released in 1999. It is worth noting that these flagship wines are only released on outstanding vintages.
The St Andrews Vineyard Releases are nearly impossible to get in the US. Make no mistake these are excellent wines displaying all the restraint and elegance that is so characteristic of Clare Valley. These wines display exceptional mouthfeel, texture, and balance- the 14.5% alcohol is well and truly kept in check.
Clare Valley Cabernet 2017
Immediately impressive aromas of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, mint, and spices.
What is promised on the nose is delivered on the palate with just a hint of tobacco and oak. There is a lot going on with this wine- depth and complexity on full display stamped -with an unassuming authority.
This is a delight to drink now, with a few hours of decanting, but you will be rewarded if you are patient enough to cellar this out a further 8 – 10 years.
Pairings should include your favorite red meat dishes: barbecued red meat, casseroles, or hearty tomato-based pasta, and Pepperoni Pizza. I am always partial to Baba Ganoush, with Falafels and freshly baked Pita bread with big reds.
2018 was an excellent vintage with winemakers happy with high-quality fruit and good yields. The Indian summer of March and early April was ‘the icing on the cake’, with average temperatures, without extremes, perfect for finishing off vintage. Source: https://barossawine.com/barossa-vintages/barossa-vintage-reports/barossa-2018-vintage-report/
Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
This Shiraz stands strong as an example of the vintage.
Enticing aromas, and a smooth mouthfeel with dark fruits, plums, and chocolate that leaves a lasting impression. Big, bold, and unashamedly self-confident, this is a delight to drink, from the first sip to the end of the bottle.
This is all Clare Valley Shiraz, with a twist: violets, mocha, and vanilla add to the nose
with bold, rich layers of dark fruits, mocha, and vanilla with secondary notes of black currant, plum, black cherries, and an earthy leather note on a long finish. The finish seems sweeter than it is with excellent length on the finish.
Excellent drinking now, with a few hours of decanting, but will show noticeable improvement over the next 8 – 10 years.
Pairing should include Roast Lamb, just about any red meat from the grill, Pepperoni Pizza, and Meat Lasagna.
Vine to Table 
let me consult my wine budget…
LikeLike