Fox Creek Estate
Fox Creek Wines is a family owned and operated winery located in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. The Watts family purchased 32Ha of land in 1984 and then in 1994 established the Fox Creek brand. Throughout the company's 18 year history, Fox Creek has developed a portfolio of wines which is diverse both in premium varieties used and also wine styles. They have also invested heavily in the development of the brand through the completion of a first class, on-site winery in 2000, which has further ensured that the paramount level of quality control, on which the brand prides itself, is maintained from the vineyard to the glass.
With a Langton's 'Excellent' Classification, consecutive (Red) 5 Star Halliday ratings, three time 'Bushing Trophy' winner for Best Wine at the McLaren Vale Wine Show and a swag of trophies and gold medals from both Australian and International wine shows; Fox Creek has quickly established itself as one of McLaren Vale and indeed the World's, finest and most iconic wine producers.
Senior winemaker Scott Zrna, believes that winemaking is about producing the absolute best. This mentality is evident through all aspects of his craft; from overseeing the operations in the vineyard and caring for the fruit in the winery to ensuring the very best quality product ends up in the glass and on tables around the World. Scott's passion runs deep; he was born with wine in his blood with his family having a long association in viticulture. He spent five vintages with Mildura Blass, a further six with McWilliams Wines and one vintage with Padthaway Estate, before joining the Fox Creek team in 2004.
Doctor Jim Watts; specialist and professor of surgery and his wife, -registered nurse- Helen began the Fox Creek story in 1984. They purchased a 32 hectare farming property in McLaren Vale and went about planting vines on the black clay soils which were previously used for grazing sheep and growing barley.
The vines thrived, bearing exceptionally high quality and sought after fruit. In 1994 the transition from growers to winemakers began, as the fruit that was previously sold to other wineries, was retained by the family and lovingly crafted into supreme quality wine. As the name 'Fox Creek Wines' suggests, there are many foxes which reside in the creek which runs through the middle of the property. In 1996, the Cellar Door was opened in a nineteenth century stone cottage built in the 1880's by the Malpas' family and in early 2000, construction of the on site winery was completed.
Fox Creek actively supports some of Australia's most renowned music and arts festivals, exhibitions and organizations as we believe it is a wonderful way to showcase the wine to a community who are able to appreciate a work of art! Fox Creek believes these mutually beneficial partnerships have promoted the growth and development of the brand through aiding and engaging the wider community whilst also maintaining positive corporate responsibility. Each Fox Creek wine back label also comprises braille, in support of those who are visibly impaired.
Fox Creek Vineyards
The on-site 1,500 tonne state of the art winery with modern equipment allows every winemaking operation to be performed to the highest standard. An array of stainless steel open fermenters support high quality, small batch oriented production, in line with the company's "boutique" winemaking approach. Ranging from 2.5 tonne hand plunged versions to 15 tonne elevated units, the construction and positioning of these fermenters means there is minimal post ferment mechanical handling of the grape skins. This allows Fox Creek to extract only the rich soft tannins from the skins, accentuating the fruit driven and full bodied McLaren Vale wine style.
Completing the vineyard to glass process, is a purpose built barrel hall to maximise the influence of the range of specialist coopered oak selected to match individual vineyard batches. Stocked with over 1000 barrels of French and American oak, the selection is a targeted mix of Hogsheads, Barriques and Puncheons aimed at matching the intricate needs of each vineyard block. Over time we have developed individual oak programs that best suit each wine style and selected specific barrels that emphasize the wines varietal characteristics. Frequent tasting during maturation ensures the focus on wine quality and allows us to track that the desired oak characteristics are being imparted into the wine.
Fox Creek is located 45 kilometers south of Adelaide, between McLaren Vale and Willunga on the
Fleurieu Peninsula. With 21 hectares of estate vineyard offering up six grape varietals, Fox Creek
respects the environment, practicing sustainable viticulture and planting of indigenous native trees.
The fresh Spring climate, following the typically wet winter provides the ideal growing conditions for vine vigor and growth, leading into the fruiting season. Dry summer conditions ensure the ripening
of grapes and the close proximity to the coast provides maritime evening breezes which cool the vines overnight, providing ideal growing conditions for premium quality fruit, leading to wines that exude elegance, structure and balance.
Sustainable vineyard practice and conscientious attention to the native landscape is maintained throughout the region to ensure future generations will continue to reap the rewards of the amazing wine growing region. Further, significant use of reclaimed storm water in the vineyards, minimizes the impact on the environment and the Murray River, particularly during drought years. McLaren Vale grape growers ensure the consistent production of high quality fruit by living and breathing the mantra, "good wine begins in the vineyard". The Fox Creek environmental conscience carries on into the winery, where a series of solar panels located on the roof produces renewable energy, whereby drastically reducing consumption of environmentally damaging coal generated power.
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Mordoree Cotes du Rhone Dame Rousse Rose is made from 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre
Color : rosé, slightly orange (mordorée colour).
Aromas : crystallized oranges and cherries, slightly aniseed.
Palate : very rounded, fresh and long finish.
Ageing potential : 2 to 3 years
Surface : 14 Ha. Yield : 45 Hl./Ha. Vineyard age : 20 years Terroir : clay / chalk,clay / limestone and sandy with pebble stones. Harvest : by hand. Vinification : vat bleeding, temperature control. Estate bottled.
Food pairing: cold meats and delicatessen, fowl, white meats, grilled lamb with Provence herbs, fish soup, fried fish, pastas, pizzas and all Asian dishes.
Review:
"This rosé appears so pretty in the glass with its watermelon hue and presents a refreshing summery nose. Find notes of watermelon slices and yellow peaches sprinkled with sea salt. Think of pairings similar to prosciutto-wrapped melon. This is a solid rosé to enjoy all summer long."
- Wine Enthusiast (May 2023), 91 pts
The climate in the Champagne region in 2006 was characterised by a hot, dry season, which had a significant impact on the vines. September’s summery conditions were decisive, effectively drying out the outbreaks of botrytis and encouraging exceptional ripening of the grapes. Beginning on 11 September, the harvest stretched out for almost three weeks, the ideal time for a superior-quality crop. This vintage is a perfect example of how a favourable climate can influence the champagne quality.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006 Plénitude 2 marks a new encounter between Dom Pérignon and the year 2006, underlining the crucial importance of time in the making of this vintage. Its persistent, suspended light offers us an invitation to contemplation, celebrating the joy of a moment of perfection. This balance between earth and sky is underpinned by a strong tactile dimension, the authentic signature of Dom Pérignon: without touch, flavour does not unfold in either the space or time of the tasting, a perfect mirror of the space and time of its production. Today, Dom Pérignon 2006 Plénitude 2 enfolds us in its warm and luminous light. It then reveals its full-bodied, substantial and curvaceous qualities, leaving in its wake the emotion of a champagne that is both enveloping and delicate.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006 Plénitude 2 reveals a soft, warm and reassuring sweet bouquet, rich in subtle nuances. Its aromatic profile boasts a remarkable finesse with floral and mineral tones. This composition rapidly unfolds to reveal delicate notes of wild peach, citron, calisson and mocha, creating a unique and memorable experience on the nose. The palate of Dom Pérignon 2006 is full-bodied, both restrained and tender, developing into a thick texture that gradually becomes firmer. The complexity of the wine increases, revealing a subtly saline nuance. On the finish, an exquisite bitterness and wonderful maturity prevail, enriched by deep aromas of dried fruit, cocoa and toasted hazelnut, which blend harmoniously to offer an exceptional wine tasting experience.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006 Plénitude 2 is distinguished by its soft, warm character, ideally expressed when paired with seafood such as langoustine and scallops. This wine pairing harmony continues with veal and Jerusalem artichoke dishes, which highlight its delicate, enveloping nature. The flavours are further enhanced by herbs such as rosemary and basil, while hints of acidity from lemon and bergamot fully reveal its breadth and refined structure. This vintage illustrates Dom Pérignon’s ability to create fine wines that capture and enhance the essence of the ingredients with which they are served.
Review:
A blonde bombshell of a Champagne, hedonistic with its alluring brioche, creamed cherry and glazed tangerine flavors that show embellishments of fragrant saffron, candied ginger, fennel seed and vanilla, yet there's lovely definition and focus via the racy, lemon-infused acidity and plush texture. Long and minerally on the finish, with the rich profile joined by a subtle undertow of smoke, oyster shell and brine. Drink now through 2040.
-Wine Spectator 98 Points