The 'stain' of having convict ancestry was something not many folks spoke of in the early and mid parts of the last century. Not so for Moppity owner Jason Brown who embraces his 2nd fleet convict lineage, paying tribute to humble beginnings with his Lock and Key range.
The range features single vineyard wines, from mature, low-yielding vines and represents extraordinary value. It is also the the range routinely credited as providing a financial lifeline for the Brown's when, like many winemakers, they faced some financial struggles.
To the wine. Initial pepper as the wine enters the palate; lingering with gentle spice. Rounded with generous red fruits present too. For me it presents itself as typical of the region. It's a great wine that holds you, the spice - while it lingers - is gentle. Certainly not a confronting style, it is very enjoyable. Can be drunk now, but will reward with further time in bottle.
Source: Retail
Price: $14.99 RRP
This is a great note Stu - glad you enjoyed the wine. As you point out, the Lock & Key range has kept us one step ahead of the receivers after a major creditor went belly-up owing us a small (actually, large) fortune in '08. More importantly though, it's helped bring the Hilltops region to the greater public and demonstrate just how impressive this region can be - esp for shiraz. FWIW, our stable of shiraz has won 2T and 14G this year so far.
ReplyDeleteFor me, Hilltops shiraz is a hybrid of Barossa and Grampians. The '08 leans towards Barossa with some really nice richness while the '09 (a much better wine IMHO), moves closer to Grampians/Great Western: more red berry fruits, aromatic, spicy and elegant. Worth seeking out.
Jason Brown