Description
First Drop’s Half & Half Shiraz Monastrell 2014 is so named because it is a 50:50 blend of Shiraz and Monastrell (perhaps think of it as an Australian take on a Rhône Syrah & Mourvèdre wine). JancisRobinson.com wrote in 2016 that they would love to taste this in 5 years and I can vouch for the fact that the wait was worth it as this wine was drinking beautifully now in 2021 and still is now. First Drop Half & Half is lighter and less brash than you might expect from these two grapes. Somehow First Drop has made these intensely flavoured grapes into a light but complex fragrant and fruity wine. According to First Drop it’s full-flavoured, with texture and a splash of funk!” Sweet cherries with spice and dark chocolate notes. As always with First Drop wines the finish is long, silky and complex. Amazing!
Food Pairing
Drink with chicken, turkey, red meats (grilled, roasted or barbecued) especially lamb, game etc. First Drop Wines suggest cassoulet, lamb chops & stuffed tomatoes.
Serve at: 14 – 16°C
Producer's Notes
“First Drop is about life, flavour and fun. A story of two friends with Old World roots in a New World of opportunity. The booze is crafted with a flair for creativity; a twist of innovation and a sensitivity for tradition. This approach is embodied in this wine, a 50:50 blend of Old and New – it’s full flavoured, with texture and a splash of funk. A wine to drink, not just appreciate. Bottoms up!
Colour: Garnet red with purple hues Bouquet: A complex nose of cherry, violet, earth and spice aromas and hints of chocolate Palate: A wide, textured palate of grainy tannins support cherry, earthy, savoury flavours and an explosion of spice – sumac, clove, Asian 5 spice, Szechuan pepper.”
Awards
16.5+ points – JancisRobinson.com – Aug 2016
“Mid cherry red and on the light side for Barossa. This is really one of my favourite First Drop wines – such lovely complex but lively aromas of red cherry and spice and even a little floral, which I would not expect with either of these varieties. On the palate it is deliciously succulent, fragrant and mouthwatering with the flavours matching the aromas. Tannins are still a little tight now but no more than would disappear with food and give a restrained but definite structure in tandem with fresh acidity. Juicy, spicy sweet-cherry aftertaste and a long warming but not hot finish. A very clever blend. I’d love to taste this in five years.”
90 points – Halliday Wine Companion – 2017
“… A medium-bodied blend that does have vague Spanish overtones, particularly with its mouthfeel…”
First Drop is a ***** winery in the Halliday Wine Companion 2021 & a top Winery of Australia 2020 in The Real Review (in the top 5% of Australian wineries)