Battle of Bosworth McLaren Vale
Battle of Bosworth was established in 2001 by Joch Bosworth and Louise Hemsley-Smith. The wines take their name from the original Battle of Bosworth, fought on Bosworth Field, Leicestershire, England in 1485. The roots of the Bosworth family’s battle were planted in the early 1850’s with their first vineyard in McLaren Vale. The modern day Battle of Bosworth saw the conversion of ‘Edgehill’ vineyard to organic viticulture by Joch Bosworth in 1995.
Joch and Louise have been growing their grapes organically for 21 years this year. Joch's vision saw him convert 24 acres of vines to organic viticulture in 1995. In 1999 they gained their
organic certification from ACO P/L (Australian Certified Organic). This process represented a big leap of faith in many regards, not least because in those days 'organic' was not the buzzword it is today. Their vineyards were the first in McLaren Vale to achieve organic certification, too, and they were the very first winery to release an organic wine. Hats off, Joch.
BEST OF VINTAGE 2019
VINTAGE
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. Cabernet was great, as were our best parcels of Shiraz, which showed incredibly bright and balanced characteristics, reminiscent of our 1999 reds. 2011 is a standout Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot year (we were still picking PV in late April and the PV is our latest picked variety on the property). Overall this was a very long vintage with moderate yields which tested Joch’s nerves a little more than usual.
TASTING NOTES
Best of Vintage is both elegant and powerful at the same time, and complex too. The nose shows cedar, dark fruits, salt-cured olives, as well as floral notes courtesy of the Petit Verdot. There are plush dark fruit and red fruits on the palate, with fine tannins that frame the wine. 2
TECHNICAL DETAILS
vineyardsChanticleer, Braden’s and the Hill Petit Verdot
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