The Grant Burge 1997 Filsell Shiraz and 1997 Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon are probably the best Filsell and Cameron Vale reds we’ve made says Grant Burge.
“They’re absolutely outstanding wines, partly because the ’97 Barossa vintage produced shiraz and cabernet with the power and intensity I demand for Meshach and Shadrach. However, there wasn’t enough material to justify making those wines in 1997,” Mr Burge said recently.
Therefore, this juice has been included in his Filsell Shiraz and Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon which both retail at approximately one-third of the price.
Rarely do we, the consumers, have such an opportunity to take advantage of this situation. You could even consider it ‘insider trading’ to be reading this article. These wines retailing around $20 will put many wines twice their price to shame with their complexity, structure and longevity.
The Filsell Shiraz 1997 is rich, plummy, earthy and almost candied on the nose. It is robust and assertive on the palate with a thick lingering aftertaste of berries and liquorice. It will cellar well, coming to its best for drinking in ten to twelve years.
The Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 has excellent berry fruit with forest characters. It is intense, tight and slightly grassy – not showing a great deal on the palate but very concentrated. Consider laying a few down as should be at its peak when opened in eleven to fourteen years.
A small note while we are talking about great wines from the Barossa. The 1999 vintage has been described as one of the best ever for reds from this region, so if you get the opportunity to put your name on a barrel don’t hesitate to do so.
