Winemaker
Brokenwood was founded in 1970
by three hopeless oenophiles who set
out for a weekend adventure in wine
country and went home with a 10-acre
parcel in the foothills of the Brokenback
Range. In 1973, grapes from the first
vintage were handpicked by a reluctant
gathering of friends. The total production
for that inaugural vintage was only
75 cases! From the outset, demand
outstripped supply and, 41 years later,
Brokenwood continues to enjoy a cultlike
following. Since 1982, Iain Riggs—
who is the poster child for the winery’s
motto “Make Great Wine and Have
Fun”—has enthusiastically performed
the duties of chief winemaker.
The Wine
In keeping with tradition, the 19th
release of Cricket Pitch Red is a singlevintage,
multivarietal and multi-regional
blend. This offering from the 2009 vintage
is comprised primarily of Cabernet
Sauvignon (60 percent), Merlot and Shiraz
from three of Australia’s finest wine
regions: McLaren Vale, Beechworth and
Central Ranges. Aged in older French
and American oak casks for up to 18
months, this wine exhibits an enchanting
perfume of lightly baked plum, mulberry,
black currant, toasty vanilla and brown
spices. Made in a balanced, well-focused
style, in the mouth it features dark fruit
flavors, ample depth, lively acidity and
ripe, well-integrated tannins.