It Takes a Village: a remarkable collaborative Australian Claret
It Takes a Village: a remarkable collaborative Australian Claret
When I was visiting Australia for the Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference, I headed to the Barossa and tasted with Michael Corbett, of Vanguardist Wines (pictured above). He’s currently making stunning wines from the McLaren Vale and the Barossa, and he also gave me a taste of a brilliant collaborative wine that’s exclusive to the Wine Society in the UK. It’s called ‘It Takes a Village’, and I was impressed enough that I’ve ordered some (it is currently being offered en primeur at £75 ib for 3 bottles).
This is what Wine Society buyer Freddy Bulmer says about this wine:
“That spirit of collaboration lies at the heart of It Takes a Village. This remarkable project, exclusive to The Society and created for our Australian Fine Wine Spotlight, brings together six acclaimed producers to craft an extraordinary example of ‘Australian Claret’, the classic shiraz–cabernet blend that is uniquely their own.
The growers involved span five regions and three states. Led by cult-hero winemaker Michael J. Corbett of Vanguardist, each winery contributed its finest fruit: world-class cabernet sauvignon from Margaret River and distinctive shiraz from Clare Valley, Barossa, McLaren Vale and Geelong. The result is a seamless wine with great finesse: vibrant, structured, complex and unmistakably Australian.
This is more than a blend; it’s a celebration of heritage, innovation and unity, and a testament to what makes Australian fine wine so exciting today.
A wine of this ambition comes along rarely and quantities are extremely limited. Orders are only open for a week, so don’t miss your chance to secure a piece of this landmark release.”
My note:
It Takes a Village Australian Claret 2025
Wine Society exclusive. Six producers, Vanguardist, Whistler, Adelina, Bannockburn, South x South West, LS Merchants. Shiraz Cabernet. This is concentrated and dense with beautiful blackcurrant fruit with some chalky detail, and a touch of eucalypt. Fresh and expressive with floral fruit, but also good structure. This is really serious. It’s fruit-driven but so structured, with power and elegance. I love the concept and I love the wine. It should age beautifully. 95/100
This offer is open until Weds 22 October:
https://www.thewinesociety.com/in-bond/en-primeur-it-takes-a-village-2025
