Allan Border's "Maiden Tonne" Shiraz will be released by Sanguine Estate Winery in limited numbers via an online ballot from May 7th, 2023. Only 2,000 bottles will be released.
This exceptional hand-crafted wine represents the first entry into wine for Border and the first collaboration for Sanguine and this collectors' item is expected to sell out within days.
"I am proud of the Maiden Tonne Shiraz," said Allan Border. "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 the blending and final tasting. I would really like to thank Mark (Hunter, Sanguine winemaker) who allowed me to come up with a wine that I can genuinely say is unique and very special to me."
Sanguine Estate is owned and run by the Hunter Family in the fabulous wine region of Heathcote, Victoria and has a long and emotional connection to Allan Border. Patriarch, Tony Hunter along with his wife (Linda), son (Mark), daughter (Jodi) and son-in-law (Brett) and daughter-in-law (Melissa) are all major contributors to this multiple award-winning winery.
"It was Dean Jones who encouraged me to enjoy a red wine rather than just drinking beer. Before Deano passed, he introduced me to my first ever Sanguine Shiraz. We shared a bottle of Sanguine D'Orsa at his home in Romsey and he said it came from his good mate, Tony Hunter. From there, I met Tony and I have developed a very close and deep relationship with the whole family," Border added.
Asked why he called his first ever wine Maiden Tonne, Border explained "Obviously it references my first century in 1979 against Pakistan at the MCG, which was actually bittersweet for me as the ton came when we lost the test from a position where we should have won."
"There's actually one other more sentimental reason we wanted to call it Maiden Tonne. I know my first century proved to the Australian Selectors at the time that I was worthy of my place in the team. I want the Maiden Tonne Shiraz to prove to the Australian wine industry just how good and worthy Sanguine Estate is."
Sanguine Estate's CEO, Jodi Marsh added – "We presented Allan and his wife Jane tastings from four of our best barrels. The blend that makes up the Maiden Tonne is 100% uniquely Border. It's his signature, simple as that."
Marsh said further – "It is really important to both Allan and our family that this limited release wine makes its way into the right hands. The Maiden Tonne has been developed for those that love cricket, Allan Border, family and exceptional wine. That's why there is a limit of two bottles per person."
Allan Border's Maiden Tonne Shiraz will be available on May 8th at 3.00pm via the ballot that can be found at https://maidentonne.com.au. Bottles are $150.00ea and come numbered with special packaging and labelling.
