Mt. Monster
Padthaway - Limestone Coast (Australia)

 

The Estate / Vineyard
Mount Monster, a striking pink-red granite outcrop formed millions of years ago, is a rare and inspired location.

Since 1851, five generations of the Bryson family have been involved in agriculture and the unique and fertile land of South Australia.

The Brysons

At Mt. Monster, their sole objective is to produce the best wines possible from their unique vineyard site. Located in the Padthaway valley which is comprised of rich Terra Rosa soils their estate vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure producing grapes of optimum flavor, color and tannin development. The warm summer days are moderated each evening by coastal winds that cool the vines and result in a longer ripening period. This extended period allows for the grape tannins and seed to fully ripen prior to being harvested, thus creating wines that are rich and supple on the palate.

The grapes cultivated are: Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wines from Mt. Monster express full varietal flavors, take advantage of the Padthaway’s maritime climate with its long slow ripening season and unique soils.
They use traditional winemaking methods, complemented by modern winemaking technology with minimal processing to ensure the purity, integrity, texture and flavor from the vineyard.
They strive for low crop yields and small grape bunches of intense flavor, and whilst they employ the latest technology in the vineyard to achieve vine balance and reduced vigor, they harvest when the fruit reaches full flavor development.

Shiraz grape

Mt. Monster wine is synonymous with premium wines from South Australia’s Padthaway wine region being awarded over 80 medals in International and Australian Wine shows in recent years. The vineyards at Padthaway are planted on there own rootstock in some of the world’s oldest mineral rich soils and in the most temperate of maritime climates. The Mt. Monster vineyard consistently produces excellent fruit quality from low yielding vines.

Only the best parcels of fruit are carefully selected throughout the vineyard and utilized in the Mt. Monster label. Great attention to detail with the integration of fruit flavors and fine oak barrels helps produce classic handcrafted wine styles.

A1EE156030CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 01193 3
2010 Mt. Monster, Chardonnay 12/750ml
Winemaking:
Gentle pressing and free run juices create the base of this wine. Traditionally Mt Monster Chardonnay is 100% fermented and matured in stainless steel, this receives some lees contact to add texture and complexity to the palate, but essentially this wine is pure Chardonnay fruit.

Tasting notes:
Bright straw color, with hints of lime green. Fresh figs and melon, with vibrant lemon citrus fruit. The nose also shows some yeast complexity from extended lees contact. Fresh tangy melon fruit flavors, & a clean acid finish. Although it may benefit from up to 2 years maturation in bottle, this wine is best consumed when young and fresh.

"This fresh, tangy white is zingy with lemon and floral flavors, lingering nicely. Drink now. 3,000 cases made. –HS"
- Wine Spectator (Web Only 2011), 87 pts

A1EE156004CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 01193 3
2009 Mt. Monster, Chardonnay 12/750ml
Winemaking:
Gentle pressing and free run juices create the base of this wine. Traditionally Mt Monster Chardonnay is 100% fermented and matured in stainless steel, this receives some lees contact to add texture and complexity to the palate, but essentially this wine is pure Chardonnay fruit.

Tasting notes:
Bright straw color, with hints of lime green. Fresh figs and melon, with vibrant lemon citrus fruit. The nose also shows some yeast complexity from extended lees contact. Fresh tangy melon fruit flavors, & a clean acid finish. Although it may benefit from up to 2 years maturation in bottle, this wine is best consumed when young and fresh.

#A1EE156028CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 01193 3
2008 Mt. Monster, Chardonnay 12/750ml
Winemaking:
Gentle pressing and free run juices create the base of this wine. Traditionally Mt Monster Chardonnay is 100% fermented and matured in stainless steel, this receives some lees contact to add texture and complexity to the palate, but essentially this wine is pure Chardonnay fruit.

Vintage:
It started out full bore with the usual warm February weather. All the grape varieties started to ripen at the same time making it one of the most compact vintages to date. Vine-balance was carefully monitored, resulting in fruit that demonstrate the vibrancy and fruit-derived characters that they strive for in their wines.

"The 2008 Chardonnay offers an attractive nose of apple, citrus and pear. Crisp on the palate, this balanced Chardonnay is best enjoyed over the next 2 years."
- Wine Advocate (Dec. 2009), 87 pts

National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle

#A0EE156037SZL
UPC code: 7 84585 01195 7
2010 Mt. Monster, Shiraz 12/750ml
"Deep garnet purple color. Bold aromas of menthol lozenge, chocolate, nougat, honey, blueberry pie and peppercorns with a supple, vibrant fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a long, pure spicy berry and sandalwood accented finish. A fun, flashy bbq wine."
- Beverage Testing Institute (November 14th 2011), 92 pts

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Gold Medal

BEST BUY

"Smooth and generous, with a gentle, plush push of raspberry, cherry and mocha flavors, which persist nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 4,000 cases made. –HS"
- Wine Spectator (April 30th 2012), 89 pts

#A0EE156031SZL
UPC code: 7 84585 01195 7
2009 Mt. Monster, Shiraz 12/750ml

"Fresh and vibrant, with a minerally edge to the lively currant and blackberry fruit, this is refreshing through the finish. Drink now through 2013. 3,000 cases made. –HS"
- Wine Spectator (Web Only 2011), 88 pts

"These front end loaded, fruit-driven, fat, juicy Australian Shiraz were aged in both American and French oak. They offer silky tannins, abundant blackberry and peppery, meaty, fruit interwoven with hints of chocolate and spice, and 2-3 years of drinkability."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 87 pts
RECOMMENDED VALUE PICK

GOLD MEDAL
San Francisco International Wine Competition 2010

#A0EE156003SZL
UPC code: 7 84585 01195 7
2008 Mt. Monster, Shiraz 12/750ml
"A fantastic integration of an intense wine with its lovely rich black cherry fruit. Lovely combination of spices, dark berry fruits and cherry aromas. The soft tannins leave a lingering great finish and is very well balanced."
- Australian Wine Showcase (July/Aug. 2010), 92 pts

"These front end loaded, fruit-driven, fat, juicy Australian Shiraz were aged in both American and French oak. They offer silky tannins, abundant blackberry and peppery, meaty, fruit interwoven with hints of chocolate and spice, and 2-3 years of drinkability."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 88 pts
RECOMMENDED VALUE PICK


#A0EE156027SZL
UPC code: 7 84585 01195 7
2007 Mt. Monster, Shiraz 12/750ml
Winemaking:
Fermented in static fermenters at controlled temperatures to retain the varietal aromatics. Once complete the wine is left for 7–10 days on skins to aide in the extraction of soft fleshy tannins and build wine structure. French & American oak has been used sparingly to ensure maximum fruit expression is retained in the final wine.

Vintage:
The 2007 Vintage in Australia has been one of the most challenging in memory. It started with severe spring frosts, which caused some minimal damage and loss to a portion of the vineyard. Widespread drought over several years meant that soil moisture levels in many vineyards were low. Due to higher temperatures and low rainfall, the harvests of early and late varieties were compressed, leading to a compact harvest. It’s not all doom and gloom though with tiny berry formation, the fruit we processed showed great intensity and quality.

Tasting notes:
Deep crimson red with brilliant, purple hue. Rich, ripe black berry fruits on the nose with a rich plummy softness and generosity. Fruit driven and focused on the palate, with dark chocolate, berry fruit and spices. Fine, soft tannins complement the fruit and lingering soft finish.

"A corpulent, satisfying red at a bargain price, Mt Monster's 2007 Shiraz offers vanilla, mint and plum aromas, a supple, creamy mouthfeel and layers of dark, super ripe fruit. Drink it over the next year or two."
- Wine Enthusiast (Sept. 2010), 88 pts
BEST BUY

National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle

UPC code: 7 84585 01194 0
2010 Mt. Monster, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
"Garnet violet color. Bright aromas of pickled peppers, green peppercorns and olives, chocolate mint bar, mulberries and forest floor with a chewy, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a tangy, mocha, cedar, sour cherry and poached pear finish. A refreshing, flavor cab for all occasions."

- Beverage Testing Institute (November 14th 2011), 92 pts

WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Gold Medal

BEST BUY

"Smooth and velvety, offering a juicy mouthful of blackberry, currant and gentle herbal flavors that swirl through the supple and expressive finish. Offers structure and immediate appeal. Drink now through 2017. -H.S."
- Wine Spectator (April 30th 2012), 90pts

#A0EE156032CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 01194 0
2009 Mt. Monster, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml



UPC code: 7 84585 01194 0
2008 Mt. Monster, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml

BRONZE MEDAL
San Francisco International Wine Competition 2010

"Mt Monster is a local outcrop of pink granite, at odds with the sandy limestone soil around it, but not monstrous in real time observation. Medium-bodied, with classic cassis and blackcurrant fruit, and fine, ripe tannins in support. Great value. Scewcap."
- James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011, 89 pts

#A0EE156026CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 01194 0
2007 Mt. Monster, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
Winemaking:
Fermented in static fermenters at controlled temperatures to retain the varietal aromatics. Once complete the wine is left for 7–10 days on skins to aide in the extraction of soft fleshy tannins and build wine structure. French & American oak has been used sparingly to ensure maximum fruit expression is retained in the final wine.

Vintage:
The 2007 Vintage in Australia has been one of the most challenging in memory. It started with severe spring frosts, which caused some minimal damage and loss to a portion of the vineyard. Widespread drought over several years meant that soil moisture levels in many vineyards were low. Due to higher temperatures and low rainfall, the harvests of early and late varieties were compressed, leading to a compact harvest. It’s not all doom and gloom though with tiny berry formation, the fruit we processed showed great intensity and quality.

Tasting notes:
Deep purple in color. Aromas of lifted blackberry, spearmint and cassis on the nose. The palate offers sweet fruit flavors following through from the nose with a hint of mint and a rich texture, followed by a long finish with big velvety tannins.

Awards:
****1/2 STARS
2008 Winestate Magazine – Top 40 Best Buy

BRONZE
2008 Limestone Coast Wine Show – class 11

National Retail Price: $12.99 / bottle