NV Alpha Box & Dice Lazarus Rosso

WINEMAKER: Sam Berketa
REGION: SA
VARIETY: Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Negroamaro, Trousseau, Shiraz, Meunier, Carignan, Tempranillo
VITICULTURE: Sustainable

The tale of Lazarus is an iconic biblical story, one that details the miracle of Jesus reviving poor Laz after succumbing to the rigours of a deadly disease. With our zombie wine, things are no less iconic; Lazarus is entering its fifth reincarnation, becoming smoother and more finely tuned. Taking a bitzer blend, with a bit o’ this and a bit o’ that, Lazarus sees 16 varieties from across 12 different vintages ripasso’d over Nebbiolo skins to restore, rejuvenate and revitalise these old batches with a new lick of paint. In essence, the classic technique of ripasso is the taking of wine from one grape and passing it over the skins of another to gift complexity to a cuvée. And complex it is, from start to finish, it’s a wild ride that balances old characters with fresh fruits, all bound together by savoury structure.

"Reincarnation number six for Lazarus, a return to a more savoury and tertiary beast. Boasting 18 different varieties, this blend combines predominantly Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Negroamaro, giving the wine a bit more 'oomph' and plenty of rustic rosso reliability. Layered notes of leather, cigar box and spices have intimately woven between fresher flavours of plums and pickled cherries to create one of the most complex cuvées of Lazarus we've created." ~ Sam Berketa, Head Winemaker