2001 Forefathers McLaren Vale Shiraz
$18
Alcohol 14.3%
850 cases produced
Decanted and consumed over 5 hours

This is one of four wines bottled and produced by Goldschmidt Vineyards. The Forefathers label (3 wines) is a concept spawned by Yolyn Goldschmidt to make 100% varietal wines from specific countries and appellations, those they feel represent the best examples of the varietal/region. The 3 wines under the Forefathers label are a Cabernet Sauvignon from BS Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley CA, a Sauvignon Blanc from Hawkesbury Road Vineyard in Marlborough NZ, and a Shiraz from Coppermine Road Vineyard in McLaren Vale Australia. The winemaker is Nick Goldschmidt, winemaker at Simi vineyards, husband to Yolyn Goldschmidt.

The Forefathers Shiraz is a classic tasting, well balanced, and inexpensive bottle of 100% Shiraz wine. Displaying a deep dark purple color, nice clarity with a nose of rich blackberry, plums, and vanilla. Tasting revealed sweet kirsh like flavors, jammy currants, a defined pepper spice, and lengthy flavors of dark fruits, menthol, and vanilla on the finish. The one thing I really liked about this bottling was a superb balance of components (fruit, tannins, acidity, and alcohol) they all seemed to mesh nicely and stay in-stride with one another all the way throughout the finish of 35-40 seconds. Consume over the next 10-14 years, 91-92 points.

I tried this again this afternoon alongside the 2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz. I had recommended to my stepfather that he give this a try, so we picked one up yesterday. I feel it is just a cut above the MP in overall quality, and definetely has more complexity to it. This bottle was only $14 as compared to the $18 I paid for the first one.

Of interest the winery is based in marlborough NZ. The fruit is shipped by air freight to NZ while the McClaren vale winery is completed. They do a great sav blanc as well. The owner (some American guy) has bought a site in NApa for cabernet, a site in Seattle for Pinot and a site in Burgundy for Chardonnay. He must have lotsa money.

Jeremy,

It sounds like you are describing Gary Andrus of Pine Ridge fame. Is that the name that you are thinking of?

I just chugged down a bottle of this nicely balanced shiraz. My bottle had a bit of heat for about a 5 hour period, but it was standing up so the cork was fine. I'm not sure it survived completely though... maybe some air got sucked back in after it cooled off.....

Anyhow, red jam on the palate, black licorice, some earthy qualities that I enjoyed.... this is a a fruity wine, but more balanced and reserved that what a typical parker shiraz would be like in my opinion.
Give this guy an 89... I really think the heat affected it a little bit though. No way this bottle could've gone another year.

Actually Forefathers is Nick Goldschmitt of Simi Winery. Check out www.forefatherswine.com

Not going to go crazy with TNs since I did not take any & this is a post for a 01 Forefathers Shiraz. Just thought that I would post my thoughts on the 02. Pass!

Interesting that the 01 is so much better. What happened with the 02?!?

lcc -
I totally agree. Nowhere near the 01 (which I loved). I'm glad I only bought 1 bottle to give it a test run before buying any more. The price is up and the quality is down. Pass.

You are smarter that I am. I bought 3. 1 more to go. I will wait until going out with some of my non-wino friends. They will love it.

And, I was being generous @ 85points. I actually thought more to the tune of 84 points.

LCC - You are right this wine is a mess right now. I had tried this a few months ago when it first hit the shelf and thought it was OK but not as good as 01. I tried another the other night expecting that I would mildly disagree with you, but I didn't the wine is a mess in my opinion.

The initial sip was decent, and from there it went down hill. All I could really get on the nose was a some medicinal odor and almost a burnt suguar aroma. Did the wine seem backward to you? The flavors were syrupy and burnt carmel flavors and then I would get some fruit and a sort of medicinal finish. I said backward (I believe the right descriptor)beacuse on some drinks it seemed like I would get the finish and then some forward fruit very strange. I won't be buying more. I would honestly give this around 80pts.

You've convinced me to sell my 3 bottles! Thanks.

Dark purple in color, with a beautiful nose that is deep and rich with sweet cherries, chocolate, and meat. Fairly low in acid, with a rich full palate, plenty of glycerin, polished tannins, and a rich deep structure. Finishes pure and long, 94 points, my #1 wine of this flight.

Eric

Just to confirm, you are talking about the 2001?

Must be the 2001. I know the thread was hijacked by me and others talking about the 2002 but Eric's notes sound like the 2001 I remember.

Yeppers, 2001 (that was the theme of the tasting )

2001 Forefathers Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, McLaren Vale (1/13/2006)
A big wine that avoids going over the top. Lots of bright red fruit, bittersweet chocoate, black pepper. Finishes with abundant red fruit and a good dose of oak. Much better than my last bottle. I suspect this is just entering it's prime. Drink or hold. (90 pts.)