Topic: TN: Wine Australia Report #3: The Resurgence of Stelvin inc Grosset
Author: Murray, Aus
Date: Sat Dec 2 23:37:22 2000
Wine Australia was one of the first opportunities to assess the impact of the re-introduction of Stelvin Caps into the Australian Wine market. Stelvin Caps are not new in Australia and are acknowledged as proven technology, with many wines, particularly Rieslings, sealed with Stelvins, from the 70’s still be opened to great enjoyment.

Although the screw cap ‘Stelvins’ aren’t as aesthetically attractive as cork or similar seals the technology has shown to avoid problems of TCA Taint and providing a consistent proper seal. This makes it, in my opinion the preferred seals for wine.

Following Richmond Grove’s successful trial with the 1998 vintage and expansion in 1999 a group of Clare Valley winemakers have released their 2000 vintage Riesling in Stelvin Caps. In addition other makers have come on board, such as Majella from the Coonawarra. The screw caps are now have the appearance of a regulation foil on a bottle from a distance, with winery branding and logos.

I took the opportunity to discuss the impact and potential of Stelvin Caps with Jeffrey Grosset of Grosset Winery, and also the BRL Hardy staff serving at the Leasingham stand. The chance to try their wines was a nice additional excuse to drop by.

A number of factors had to be in place before embarking on a program of changing from cork to a screw cap; market acceptance, helped somewhat with continuing frustration with cork taint, being able to procure threaded bottles in economic quantities, a vintage with marketable ageworthy wines, and the commitment to take the risk. For the 2000 vintage the Clare makers determined the time was right.

Some wineries committed all of the Riesling to Stelvin caps, including Taylors and Leasingham, others, including Grosset left a portion in traditional cork seals. The intention was that this would satisfy the restaurant trade.

The sales results have been marked compared to expectations. The Grosset Stelvin bottlings have sold out with only bottling in corks left. The majority of restaurants specifically requested Stelvin bottling. One restaurant was disappointed to find that the Stelvin had gone and they had to take cork.

With high profile makers such as Grosset and BRL Hardy coming on board, there must be some concern by the cork industry. Jeffrey said that industry consultants he hadn’t seen for years were coming up and inviting him for coffee, invariably the venue was one of the cork industry stands. He notes that they remain volume users of premium corks and will continue to so for some time yet.

In terms of the expansion of the Stelvin seal to other varieties, expect to see other ‘tall bottle’ varieties next year, such as the Taylors Gewurztraminer. The conversion of red bottles is desired but a risk in terms of the economics of procuring bottles and market acceptance. Having said that it’s expected that Mitchell Wines will be releasing a red wine in Stelvin Caps next year.

While I was at the Clare stands discussing the caps there was, naturally the opportunity to taste the wines.

Leasingham
Part of the BRL Hardy group. I tasted the reds, which are favoured by many, and perform very well on the show circuit.

1997 Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec Clare, South Aus
Medium full mouthfeel, Rich medium weight with nice drying tannins. Good.

1997 Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz Clare, South Aus
Medium weight, quite nice medium length finish with good stylish fruit.

1997 Leasingham Cabernet Sauvignon Clare, South Aus
Predominantly American Oak. Medium depth garnet colour, muted dark berry nose, great mouthfeel and a long finish.

1997 Leasingham Classic Clare Shiraz Clare, South Aus
More gongs than a Rank Organisation Movie festival. Rich, dark, great fruit, premium American oak. Wonderful flavours of blackberry and spice and a long finish. A great wine.

1992 Leasingham Classic Clare Sparkling Shiraz Clare, South Aus
One of my favourites. Wonderful aged cool climate fruit. Rich mouthfeel with lively mousse, long finish. A stunning wine.

Grosset
For all the acclaim about the Grosset Rieslings, Halliday’s Top 100 didn’t include any, however three other wines made the grade.

2000 Grosset Watervale Riesling, South Aus
A touch more full than other Riesling, although not ‘opulent’ Rich lime citrus characters and a long finish. A great wine to age 5-12 years, which confidence in the Stelvin cap.

2000 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling South Aus
Slightly more steely characters than the Watervale. A great wine that will age wonderfully up to 20 years well cellared.

2000 Grosset Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Clare, South Aus
Pale straw colour. Refreshing lemon and straw. Fairly full with a great long finish. Made for early to short term and delicious.

1998 Grosset Gaia Clare, South Aus
75% Cab Sauv, 20% Cab Franc, 5% Merlot. Wonderfully dark colour, delicious complex nose. Full flavoured, long finish. A wonderfully balanced wine with heaps of time ahead of it.

Murray