"My Dad lived to be 100 because he had a bottle of our wine everyday!"
Neil McGuigan, Chief Winemaker & CEO, McGuigan Wines
A natural born storyteller, winemaker Neil McGuigan is no wallflower. His killer comedic timing, hearty laugh, and generous pours are welcome reminders that wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed. But you'd be foolish to consider his jolly-good-fellow nature an indicator of frivolity; as chief winemaker and CEO of McGuigan Wines, Neil is very serious about crafting quality wines that over-deliver at every price point. And he has the accolades to prove it - McGuigan Wines has been recognized a record four times as International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. They have also been honored as Australian Winemaker of the Year on three occasions.
Founded in 1880 and based in Hunter Valley, for four generations the McGuigan family has been synonymous with Australian winemaking. Until now, they've had very little presence in the USA but that is poised to change thanks to their new partnership with the respected powerhouse importers, Palm Bay. McGuigan is smartly entering the market with two tiers of wines -- a fruit-forward, fresh and approachable collection deemed The Plan and their more complex wines, Hand Made and The Philosophy. Whether you're just grilling in the backyard or serving a gourmet feast, there's a McGuigan wine for for every palate and budget.
The Plan Chardonnay 2016 ($11.99)
The Plan pays homage to the McGuigan's family mission to share high-quality Australian wine with the world and to become internationally recognized as a winery of distinction. I have a friend who always jokes that the world doesn't need another Chardonnay, but I'd say there's room for this charming expression from South Eastern Australia. Just a little bit of oak adds a touch of warm vanilla spice to this juicy, fruit-forward, and slightly creamy wine.
The Plan Shiraz 2016 ($11.99)
Have you been a little Shiraz-shy since over-the-top, sugary, jammy, high-alcohol wines with critters on the bottle saturated the US market not so long ago? That unfortunate trend certainly sullied the reputation of Australian Shiraz but things are starting to shift. McGuigan's The Plan Shiraz proves that an entry-level affordable Shiraz can still have integrity and balance. The grapes were sourced from their vineyards in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Fresh and not cloyingly jammy, The Plan is a straight-forward and enjoyable expression of the natural charms of Shiraz. Round, rich, and fruity with luscious blackberry and plum flavors, vibrant acidity, and a sassy kick of spice.
Hand Made Shiraz 2014 ($40)
Ready to step it up to an artisan next-level Shiraz? McGuigan Hand Made is a limited-edition Shiraz sourced from low-yielding vineyards in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, just outside Langhorne Creek. Warm days are tempered by evening breezes that enable the grapes to reach optimum ripeness yet still retain good acidity. Voluptuous and velvety, Hand Made spent 18 months in oak before bottling and exhibits impressive grace and balance. The tasting notes describe it as "a rich full-bodied wine with a wonderful mix of dark cherries plum and spice - reminiscent of Christmas cake."
The Philosophy 2013 ($125)
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) sourced from the Seven Hills area of Clare Valley and Shiraz (44%) from Auburn in Clare Valley's southern edge, The Philosophy expresses McGuigan's belief that "as a winemaker, you need vision, strength, precision, and drive to craft exceptional wine." Aged 24 months in French oak and aged 2 more years in the bottle before release, The Philosophy is full-bodied and robust with tremendous finesse and nuance. Rich and plummy black fruit flavors meld beautifully with hints of spice and shrubby herbs. Absolutely delicious now, The Philosophy will age gracefully thanks to its pristine structure.
If you're planning a visit to Australia, McGuigan's welcomes visitors for tours and tastings at their Cellar Door in the heart of Hunter Valley.
