We had good winter rains after a few seasons of below average rainfall. This was a late season: budburst was approximately 2-3 weeks late, and harvest started similarly behind our standard season (we usually start picking Chardonnay in early/ mid February).

This year we picked whites in late February/ early March. Unseasonal rains in March threw a spanner in the works somewhat, but luck and good management helped us dodge most of the bullets. Our best parcels of Shiraz are incredibly bright, balanced and reminiscent of our 1999 reds, which have incredible longevity. Overall this was a very long vintage with moderate yields which tested Joch’s nerves a little more than usual. 

"Scarce Earth is a McLaren Vale initiative exploring and celebrating the geological climatic and soil diversity of the region. All wines come from a single block, a small plot of land with a unique flavour profile and personality."  

The 2011 Braden’s Shiraz is made from two 300 litre barrels from our Braden’s Vineyard. It has been hand-made, hand bottled and is unfiltered. The wine was open fermented and then matured in four year old French oak to allow the expression of the vineyard in its purest form. 

Soil Type:          Bay of Biscay

Geology:           Christies Beach Formation, Quaternary period.

Elevation:          90 metres

Vine Age:          39 years

Vine clone:        Unknown, thought to be a Reynell selection

Volume:              58 dozen

• The Wine Advocate #211 February 2014 Lisa Perrotti-Brown

  Deep garnet-colored, the 2011 Scarce Earth Braden’s Shiraz is scented of black cherry preserves, warm red and black plums and menthol with hints of licorice, black pepper and asphalt. Medium to full-bodied with a good concentration of peppery and savory flavors in the mouth, everything is framed by a medium level of rounded tannins, vibrant acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2020+. 

  91+ points

• Huon Hooke, www.huonhooke.com 19th July 2013

  Medium red, no real purple. This seems slightly advanced in hue. Dusty earth, savoury, developed aromas, mellow and shows some maturity. A firmly tannic and rather forbidding wine, with grippy tannins and almost mouth-sticking qualities. Savoury, structural and much more than simple fruit. Needs time. Scarce Earth bottling

  91 points

• Wining Pom 20th April 2013 'Scarce Earth McLaren Vale 2011 releases'

  Again fragrant and lifted but in a different way, quite unique aspects at  work, smells of redcurrant and blackberry. More restraint, notes of subtle spice, feels  great on the palate, has a weight and seamlessness about it, lots of subtle spice and bright red fruit.

  93+

   

• Nourish Magazine Vol 1, No 2 'Wine and Food' with Winsor Dobbin Winter 2013

  ....' Wines that go great with ...hearty winter casseroles and braises...'

  Battle of Bosworth makes single vineyard, organically grown wines from vines farmed by Joch Bosworth and Louise Hemsley-Smith. Scarce Earth is a McLaren Vale initiative exploring and celebrating the geological climatic and soil diversity of the region.

  All wines come from a single block, a small plot of land with a unique flavour profile and personality. This was one of the stars from 2011 and is hand-made, hand bottled and unfiltered. Match with rich rabbit casserole. 

• Jeremy Pringle 'Wine Will Eat Itself' - 'Get Yer Rocks Off: McLaren Vale Scarce Earth 2011 Releases' June 9th 2013

  Red and black fruits, florals, juicy acid, powder-puff tannins. Not overly complex but very fetching nonetheless.

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