A blend of 55% Shiraz 45% Cabernet and it was love at first slurp. The Shiraz component was sourced from Gommersal and matured in American oak for 15 months with the Cabernet coming from Moculta (closer to the Flaxman Estate) and given the same oak time, this time French. The name “The Stranger” comes from the the fruit not being estate grown. But boy, oh boy is that fruit quality plus.
The first thing to strike me was an amazingly plush, soft and velvet-like mouthfeel on entry. Fantastically smooth and inviting. The fleshy entry of blackberry and redcurrants wades seductively into a mid palate of stewed (not cooked) plums, vanilla and mocha before the acidity and tight knit tannins narrow the flavours towards a finish full of thrust and purpose. The deal is sealed with a touch of orange/citrus acidity and a lovely hint of spice & polished cedar oak.
It isn’t an overly big wine, coming in at medium to full bodied, but it does have an old fashioned feel about it… in the best of ways. Makes me feel nostalgic actually. Open fermenters, pigeage, no filtering or fining. I’m guessing the extended time on lees plays a part in the supple texture I so enjoyed. Cuddly and warm hearted but with a depth of personality often missing from these sorts of generous Barossan blends. It’s harmonious, approachable, thoughtful and delicious. On a winter’s night this would be perfect. But my air-con provided a decent enough platform in which to experience a wine that was full of sensual pleasures.
Winery Website- http://flaxmanwines.com.au/
And a bronze medal for this at the 2009 Great Australian Red competition. I would have rated it superior to quite a few that received silver medals, but there you go…