New Release A.Retief Wines

Hi everyone,

I am very pleased to announce the release of three new A.Retief reds from the terrific 2015 vintage and to celebrate, anyone who buys a mixed case, goes in the draw to win 6 Riedel Vinum series glasses and a Riedel Swirl decanter, total value $400!

2015 really was an amazing year for reds in both Hilltops and Gundagai. The start of the growing season, through spring and early summer, had coolish nights and relatively dry days. Maximum temperatures were high 20’s, edging into 30’s.

This creates what we call a long growing season, where the vines can slowly and steadily develop the natural flavours in the fruit and ripen the bunches over a long period of time.

The dry days as well extended into March, through harvest, so there was no risk of disease either.

2015 Tempranillo, Book Book vineyard, Gundagai, only 120 dozen made Gundagai is a region that is absolutely suited to growing varieties like Shiraz and Tempranillo. Technically being a cool climate, the fruit flavours are a lot more subtle than some of the warmer regions and often there isn’t the risk of harvest rain. This is the first vintage I made Temp from this vineyard and I’m pretty excited by it! The nose is deep and rich, predominantly blackberry and brambles with a hint of cherry as well. The palate is a beautiful mix of Christmas cake, red fruit and spice with incredible balance and length. Technically this is a Crianza style, being in oak for 18 months, but it doesn’t have the big grippy tannins that a lot of Spanish Tempranillo’s do.

Soft, full, incredibly attractive. Members price $32 / btl in a mixed dozen

2015 “Field Blend”, Mokhinui vineyard, Hilltops, only 350 dozen made Following on from the success of the 2013 version of this random red blend I have now managed to find a spot for another two varieties.

This year, the blend is Grenache, Mataro, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Shiraz, or GMMMTPVS for short! As before, I was trying to make a wine for pizza, BBQ, summer- basically a fun, light style of wine. The nose is a vibrant mix of bright red fruits and violets, extending to the palate where these crunchy red fruits are focussed on the mid-palate. There is a great length to the wine, a balance of bright acid, soft tannin and older oak that makes this wine vibrant, fun and quaffable!

Members price $22 / btl in a mixed dozen

2015 Petit Verdot, Mokhinui vineyard, Hilltops, only 105 dozen made.
The only other vintage I have kept some Petit Verdot by itself was 2013 and again, another great vintage where the fruit can get properly ripe has produced a pretty special wine. Deep purple in colour, the nose is a blend of violets, pot-pouri and blueberry. The palate is bright fruits and flowers, great length with a tannin structure that will develop and grow with age. Members price $32 / btl in a mixed dozen
For orders and to enter the draw to win $400 of Riedel glassware and decanters, email alex@aretief.com.au

Of-course you can also order any of your other favourite A.Retief wines:
2014 Tumbarumba Sauvignon Blanc, $22 in any mixed dozen
2014 Tumbarumba Chardonnay, $32 in any mixed dozen
2013 Gundagai bio-dynamic Rose, $22 in any mixed dozen
2013 Gundagai bio-dynamic Shiraz, $22 in any mixed dozen
2013 Hilltops, “The Alias” Mataro, $32 in any mixed dozen
Enjoy!
Alex