Blue Heeler Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvedre 2008
Puppy Series Wines
The wines in this series offer excellent value and universal appeal. Priced under $20.00/bottle, each release is of exceptional quality—several having been made by internationally acclaimed winemakers. The label art features an original drawing of a different breed of dog we’ve either owned or come across in our travels.
Tasting Notes Update: August, 2010
"This stunner from Down Under is a Barossa blend of three classic varieties (70% Shiraz, 15% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre). Acclaimed Winemaker and master blender, Rolf Binder, really hit his stride in crafting our very first Puppy Series red. On the nose, exuberant aromas of spiced blueberry jam and cocoa leap from the glass. The palate has showy flavors of every-berry-you-can-think-of (especially boysenberry) with accents of coffee, licorice root and black pepper. But this is no simple fruit-bomb of a wine – very fine tannins provide the perfect structure to the richness. A seriously fun wine, this versatile gem has become the “go to” wine at my house – it pairs beautifully with nearly everything from pizza to prime rib." Tony Wasowicz, Cru Vin Dogs USA Winemaker
Label Art
All our labels feature original, limited-edition illustrations by artist Jay P. Snellgrove. Each honors a real dog – some with special stories – a reminder of how empty this world would be without the unconditional love and devotion of man’s best friend.
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While on a mission to find a Red or Blue Heeler (Australian cattle dog) puppy for the label of our 2008 Shiraz~Grenache~Mourvedre, Jay and his son, Tristan, found a Blue (14-weeks-old) just north of Denver. They went to take photos of the puppy and get to know its personality so that Jay could do his pastel drawing. After spending a few hours with the little guy they were hooked, and he became a part of the family about a week later! |
Our Causes
Because of our lifelong love of our canine friends, we support worthy causes that involve dogs. We donate a minimum of 10 percent of our online sales to our charitable partners: Canine Companions for Independence and Morris Animal Foundation’s "Canine Cancer Campaign". In addition to monetary support, we hope to raise public awareness and understanding of the causes our wines support, perhaps encouraging more people to become involved in their efforts.
| Vintage: | 2008 |
| Wine Type: | Medium Red Wine |
This wine is a brilliant Barossa blend of three classic varieties (70% Shiraz, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre). Premium Shiraz from Barossa Valley (home to some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines) gives the wine the rich fresh plum and dark berry characters that are so often associated with the wines of this region. Century-old Mataro (Mourvedre) adds the savory notes to the wine-licorice, leather, mocha and spice. These very old, gnarled vines grow behind the winery, and take not water except that which falles to the ground as rain, leaving rich, concentrated fruit. The Grenache adds the lightness and fun to the blend. Red-berry fruits-cherries, raspberries and Redskins "lollies" - add to the mix and brighten up the final wine. The brilliant crimson color, very bright and almost glowing, pales a little at the rim; a pure, fragrant aroma is at times floral - violets come to mind-but also showing warm climate richness and ripeness; the palate is much more delicate than that of Shiraz and builds gradually in the mouth, finishing with satisfyuing, delicious fruit and fine tannins. ~ Rolf Binder, Winemaker