The Business
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
BLOWFLY has always been exceptional…
…in the literal sense. Our name embraces the notion, because from the outset we were never destined, nor did we have the desire to make wines like anyone else. And this box ,'The Business', encapsulates neatly all that is distinct about BLOWFLY.
THE BOX
The box itself is a handcrafted wooden pain-in-the-arse. We didn't want an off-the-shelf standard pine box, so this box is made from rescued cuts of Durian. The benefit of Durian is a much harder wood which can be cut thinner and buffs to an attractive glossy finish... after a lot of work. But the thing is, we're not box makers—this is just further evidence of our chronic addiction to experimentation.
THE SWAN SONG
It's obviously what's inside the box that deserves the focus. Six bottles of Chambourcin from 2004~2009. This is an utterly unique vertical tasting. As in…no one else in the world has attempted this (as far as we're aware). In a way it can be seen as our swan song, and it is something we are very proud of.
WHY CHAMBOURCIN MATTERS
Chambourcin does not have the distinction of being called a noble grape. It is most often grown for cashflow rather than prestige, and shunned by critics (Jancis Robinson, a notable exception). And this box probably won't shift that general perception… since we only have a dozen.
Chambourcin is mostly grown in humid, maritime climates where its disease resistance means it can still ripen when other grape varieties struggle. It makes a great backup. But what chambourcin taught us was that if you provide it an optimal climate, it will enthusiastically play lead.
Some of you have tried a few of our vintages of our Chambourcin, and therefore know the calibre of the wines. None of you have tried all the vintages. And sadly, because we only have enough wine for a few boxes most of you will never experience these wines... ever. So all I have to offer you is this post and the 'tremendous' video.
AGEING THE UNAGEABLE
As far as I know, no other vineyard has endeavoured to produce Chambourcins specifically for ageing. So Chambourcin has no real vintage reputation. And with critics often shunning the grape, it remains doubtful that it will rise to be a top tier variety.
This is actually a shame because Chambourcin is one of the easiest vines to grow. So easy you can grow it in your own back yard (give it a go). But beyond its disease resistance, it is also heat and drought tolerant. In a climate of increaing extremes, chambourcin can still deliver. Our 2005 vintage even survived a category F2 tornado!
But the real magic occurs when you attempt to figure out what the grape wants, rather than simply try to extract what you need. In our low-humidity continental climate with its feet in the gritty volcanic clay soils of the Warrumbungles, Chambourcin takes on a completely different personality to its maritime cousins.
It is easy going. First out of the gate in spring, but happy to hang around till a few weeks after the renowned late ripener Petit Verdot is already fermenting in the shed. The bunches are big, and land in the picking buckets with a satisfying thump. The berries are almost black. You can tell who's been eating Chambourcin at harvest time by the purple lips and teeth. You see, Chambourcin is a teinturier—one of very few wine grapes that have pigment in the pulp. And that is why the wine is so dark when its skins are so thin. And the skins are thin, so tannins are soft. And acid is high so the wine has a natural preservative for ageing where it lacks tannin. And because it has naturally high acid, they balance out the stratospheric sugar. It's a goldilocks grape!
You'll note in the selection that none of the wines are below 14% alcohol, and some push towards 16%. We don't chase sugar, but rather fruit ripeness. We aim never to compromise on balance (though the weather isn't a reliable ally). When the fruit is ripe, acid and sugar work in harmony to give you an explosion of flavours in the mouth. Sugar won't do that alone, and sour grapes are... sour grapes.
When you have balance, the winery work becomes easy. Chambourcin needs little adjustment. Not only that, it needs little to no flitering or fining (no use of egg or milk products, for those seeking vegan friendly wine). Combine that with the fact that Chambourcin is by default organic (since it is inherently disease resistant), and you have a naturally eco-friendly wine.
Chambourcin is also friendly with other varitties. We have used it in Rhone and Bordeaux style blends. It lends colour, it provides mid-palate fruit, and it can soften the tannins of a bold shiraz. Jancis Robinson's 17.5 score on our 2008 Cease & Desist Val Cuna is testament to the incredible length Chambourcin can bring to a wine.
WHO THIS IS FOR
So who and what is this box for? Among those who will buy one of the limited number of boxes will be those who already understand the wines' calibre. Some may know and enjoy Chambourcin broadly. Some may buy out of curiosity, and some because of the pretty box. But this wine is also aimed at the sceptics of Chambourcin.
THE LEGACY
Those that know us, know that we are no longer producing new wines and so it follows that we are no longer producing this style of Chambourcin. So no one is. We've always hoped we could inspire others to be champions of Chambourcin. This box is our legacy and our proof that the humble Chambourcin is deserving of accolades and should be on the shelf of every bottle store,
There are six bottles of Chamboourcin spanning from 2004 to 2009. Chambourcin is not reputed as an ageing wine, and yet some of these wines are still just stretching their legs. These are big, confident, supple wines with soft tannins, not simple quaffers. These are not what Chambourcin is known for, but what they can be. And they can be… mistaken for a top tier vintage Cabernet Sauvignon at a Beefsteak and Burgundy Dinner.
One last thing to ponder (pun unintended): ’swan song’, has anyone actually listened to a swan sing? Hardly pleasant…
Please contact us with any queries, and note these boxes have a longer lead time (we will be in touch)
BLOWFLY Chambourcin 2004 (14.7% Alc/Vol)
BLOWFLY [rogue] Chambourcin 2005 (15.7% Alc/Vol)
BLOWFLY [rogue] Chambourcin 2006( 14.7% Alc/Vol)
BLOWFLY Chambourcin 2007 (14.8% Alc/Vol)
BLOWFLY Chambourcin 2008 (15.9% Alc/Vol)
BLOWFLY Chambourcin 2009 (14.5% Alc/Vol)
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