Scarce Earth
550 MILLION YEARS OF HISTORY IN EVERY DROP
In the McLaren Vale things happen … but not by chance. The region’s passionate wine producers are amongst the most cohesive in Australia, banding together, getting their hands dirty and achieving some incredible feats in the process, proving that two heads really are better than one.
It’s these dedicated producers that now have industry peers and wine lovers alike looking at their region through different eyes.
When it comes to the McLaren Vale’s flagship, Shiraz, its producers have shifted the focus from the precious vines behind this bold, full-bodied red to the Scarce Earth in which they’re grown. And with geology dating back 550 million years, it’s not surprising the McLaren Vale is a global powerhouse when it comes to Shiraz.
The McLaren Vale is the place to be each May, June and July so you can be one of the lucky ones to sample the new release of single block shiraz specially selected by the McLaren Vale wineries to be part of McLaren Vale Scarce Earth.
These wines have passed three expert tasting panels to ensure they reflect their sense of place and express their true fruit characters.
For the first 3 months after release the McLaren Vale Scarce Earth wines are only available for sale in the McLaren Vale. With some wineries only producing as little as 30 dozen, wine lovers are urged to visit the region to taste and purchase the wines to avoid missing out.
Look for the unique neck label which is only available on the 2009 and 2010 McLaren Vale Scarce Earth shiraz.
Click here for the complete details on the 2010 Vintage and participating wineries
Click here to view the Geology map of McLaren Vale (includes Districts)
2012 Vintage (selection process commencing August 2013)
Selection criteria and panel tasting information, see PDF below
The 2012 Vintage wines have undergone the initial selection process and require pre and post bottling approval prior to being announced to the public.
2010 Vintage Reviews (current vintage)
Tim White, Australian Financial Review, 24 May 2012
Max Allen, The Australian, 19/05/2012, see PDF below
2009 Vintage Reviews
