Past Vintages

Technical Details

"Deep garnet purple colored, the NV Shingleback Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz displays aromas of tar, earth, warm blackberries & black cherries plus a whiff of star anise. Medium - full bodied and fully sparkling with medium sized bubbles of good persistence, iit has a light - medium level of chewy tannins, medium sweetness (21.5 g/L) & lively acid, finishing long, with lingering chocolate & licorice notes. Drink now to 2015+. 87 pts."

Lisa Perotti Brown, The Wine Advocate #198, December 2011

"The secret to a great sparkling red is for the winemaker to first construct a great red wine – which is something that Shingleback achieves with great regularity from its McLaren Vale vineyard. The base wine for this style is blended from several vintages but boasts consistent characteristics of intense bass notes in rich blackberry and blueberry flavours. This is dark, brooding shiraz, dressed in the deepest purple colour and speaking in loud volume, though a lush sweetness offsets the fine tannins and makes it a deeply seductive drink.”

David Sly, SA Life November 2011

"Another beauty, is there anything that comes from the Davey family that is not only great tasting but excellent value for money, rich plum with a savoury edge then a hint of sweetness on the finish; scrumptious 92 points great value at $23"

Tony Keys, The Key Review of Wine No 35 May 2011

" Deep garnet colored, NV Black Bubbles Sparkling Shiraz has an intense blackberry and pepper nose with hints of anise, dark chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate has fine, frisky bubbles and a fair amount of sweetness (22 grams per liter of residual sugar) offset by medium-high acid and lightly textured with a low to medium level of chewy tannins, finishing long. Drink it now"

erobertparker.com December 2010

 "Excellent fruit nose with nuances of licorice. Palate full, ripe, flavoursome and well-balanced, with slight beetroot notes."

Winestate magazine, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek & Fleurieu tasting, July / August 2010 

"A cracker sparkling red and just so Australian in style. This has blackcurrant, spice, leather, oodles of chocolate cake and raisins. A plush wine which does have the styled elevated levels of sweetness, but you'll hardly notice, as the balancing acidity is deceptive. Terrific length and a really lovely example of the style."  

Ken Gargett, The Courier Mail, Jan 22, 2008                 

 "Leave it to the Aussies to make a sparkling wine from syrah. John Davey's particularly delicious version has fine bubbles, rich plum, blackberry fruit and tannins tamed with a touch of sweetness. The overall effect is a hedonist's dream."

Rebecca Murphy, Dallas Morning News, Dec. 27, 2006.    

"My final treat was an Aussie specialty, the Shingleback "Black Bubbles" Sparkling Shiraz .....Wow. This fairly dark bubbly....brings, with its bubbles, concentrated, almost jammy blackberry, citrus, chocolate, pastry crust and - a first for me in a sparkler - tannin. In fact, the bite of the tannin combined with the attack of the bubbles for me was a winner....."                            

Elliot Essman, www.sylegourmet.com/wine/tas00235.htm

Vintage Note

This is a non-vintaged wine blended from a number of years of Shiraz to create complexity and consistency in the style.

Tasting Note

Deep garnet in colour with vibrant magenta bubbles. Aromas of concentrated blackcurrant with hints of liquorice, spice and dark cherries. Creamy bubbles and luscious sweetness envelop the plump blackberry mid-palate, which is enhanced with hints of savoury development. The long sweet fruit finish is balanced with fine tannin and acidity.

Serving Suggestions

Best served icy cold in a flute glass. This versatile wine style can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a wide variety of dishes. Traditional fare at Christmas lunch in Australia, the richness and sweetness of the wine will also see it complement a cheese platter or dark chocolate dessert.

Awards:

• Blue Gold medal - 2011 Sydney International Wine Competition (NV09) 
• Silver medal - 2011 International Wine Challenge, Vienna (NV10)
• Silver medal - 2010 Wine Style Asia Awards (NV09)
• Silver medal - 2009 LA International Wine & Spirit Competition (US) (NV07)
• Silver medal - 2008 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Class 29 (NV07)
• Silver medal - 2008 International Wine Challenge, Vienna (NV06)
• Silver medal - 2008 Liquorland Top 100, New Zealand (NV06)
• Highly commended - 2007 Sydney International Wine Competition (NV06)
• Consumer Award - 2006 SA Hyatt /Advertiser Wine of the Year Awards, sparkling red category (NV05)