News

Cricket legend Allan Border releases Shiraz with Sanguine Estate

10 May 2023 By James Evison

A limited edition Shiraz has been released by Sanguine Estate following a collaboration with ex-Australian cricketer, Allan Border.

Allan Border with his limited release Shiraz "Maiden Tonne" — Allan Border with his limited release Shiraz “Maiden Tonne” (image courtesy of Sanguine Estate)

The wine, called Maiden Tonne in honour of Border’s first hundred for Australia in 1979, will be produced in just 2000 bottles.

Border wants the wine to mirror his maiden 100 for Australia, which illustrated his ability – just like the Australian wine industry – validating the selectors choice for his place in the Australian team.

The wine features a blend of grapes harvested by Border and his wife Jane along with the Hunter family of the Sanguine Estate. A full-bodied and rich flavour profile has resulted, which is meant to reflect “Border’s bold and uncompromising approach to the game”.

Sanguine Estate is a family-run vineyard based in Heathcote, central Victoria – an area well-known for Shiraz. It is currently run by brother and sisters Mark and Jodi Turner, with the former acting as vingeron and winemaker and the latter Chief Executive Officer. Their partners Melissa and Brett operate as CFO and International Sales Manager respectively.

The firm said it uses natural winemaking techniques combined with small batch processing and hand plunging.

Speaking about Maiden Tonne, Allan Border, said: “This is not just a wine that I have put my name to. I have been actively involved in the entire process, from picking the grapes right through to blending a unique shiraz and even the packaging. It’s 100% uniquely me.”