Two Way Range
Paul Clancy and Iain Seabrook are two typical Australian “mates”. However, their friendship is a little deeper than most, because they share the experience of being Vietnam veterans. Both Iain and Paul served in the Australian army in Vietnam in 1966, 67-68 and fought alongside American troops on a number of occasions. The Australians were excellent jungle fighters who had learned their bush skills in the jungles of Malaya and Borneo. Australian soldiers (Diggers) have a quirky, if not black, sense of humor; it is this humor that is behind the name of this new release Barossa Valley Shiraz. When the Australian soldiers went out on operations in the jungles of Vietnam they used to quip that they were “going for a walk on the two way range” – meaning they were going out onto a shooting range where the targets shoot back! Fortunately, Iain and Paul survived their time on the two way range and returned to Australia physically unscathed to return to their former occupations. Iain is a member of the famous Australian wine family, W.J. Seabrook & Co which was founded in 1878. Iain makes the Two Way Range Shiraz. Paul is a wine industry publisher and owns an historic original settler’s vineyard on Jacob’s Creek in the Barossa Valley. Paul and his wife Fran grow premium Shiraz grapes which go into some of the Valley’s better known labels, such as Rockford and St Hallett.
The wine is a magnificent example of what the Barossa can produce from its finest vineyards. It is a deeply coloured wine of massive power yet with silky tannins and a lovely mouthfeel. Its palate is dominated by rich dark berry fruits with a hint of milk chocolate. It’s a beguiling wine, suited to hearty meat dishes or robust cheese. Barossa Shiraz does not get any better than this.
“Aged in new and used French oak, this 100% Shiraz from a 14-year old vineyard exhibits a deep plum/purple color as well as a sweet nose of blue and blackberries interwoven with notions of damp earth, licorice, and creosote. Full-bodied and powerful with sweet tannin and low acidity, it should be drunk over the next 5-7 years.” – 92 Points – Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate #167
