Fox Creek JSM Shiraz Cabernet Franc 1999

Fox Creek Wines was established in 1984 when Helen and Dr Jim Watts purchased a 32 hectare property on Malpas Road in McLaren Vale. The JSM blend was first produced in 1995 and is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Shiraz components were selected for fruit richness and elegance, Cabernet Sauvignon for ripe round tannins and length and Cabernet Franc for aromatic lift and fruit weight.

"The 1999 JSM has an opaque ruby/purple color and an intense nose of black cherries and cassis, with noteworthy coffee, vanillin character in the background. In the mouth, this medium to full-bodied, soft wine introduces some blue and blackberry fruit to the mix."  Robert Parker

Despite the massive structure of the wine (after all it is from McLaren Vale!), the wine has both finesse and elegance that set it apart from the crowd. Persists beautifully on the palate. A blend of 68% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon which was aged 12-14 months in one to three-year old American oak casks.

JSM are the initials of James Stanley Malpas (born 1873) and are cut into the stone lintel above the present-day tasting room, which was his house after he had graduated from Roseworthy Agricultural College.

Expert reviews

"The largest production of any Fox Creek wine is their 9,500 cases of JSM. The 1999 JSM has an opaque ruby/purple color and an intense nose of black cherries and cassis, with noteworthy coffee, vanillin character in the background. In the mouth, this medium to full-bodied, soft wine introduces some blue and blackberry fruit to the mix."  Robert Parker, Wine Advocate - 89 points

"Firm and juicy, brimming with pretty blackberry, purple plum and anise flavors, which remain plump through the finish."  Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator – 89 points

About the winery

Fox Creek Wines is a winery located in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia. McLaren Vale is a highly regarded wine region known for its rich history, Mediterranean climate, and abundant sunshine, which provide ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of grapes.

Fox Creek Wines was established in 1984 when Helen and Dr Jim Watts purchased a 32 hectare property on Malpas Road in McLaren Vale. Going against popular advise at the time, they planted vines in the black clay soils that had previously been used for growing barley. A decade later their flagship shiraz won the Trophy for the best wine at the McLaren Vale Wine Show.  They won this award again in 1998 and 2003 and their Reserve Shiraz achieved international acclaim. Subsequently many of their wines have won trophies and medals at national and international wine shows.

Early in 2021 Helen Watts (at the tender age of 86) sold Fox Creek Wines to Ben Gibson, Jock Harvey and Dim Georgiadis, who are long-time friends and industry colleagues. The winemaker is Ben Tanzer.