{"title":"Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"zontes-footstep-lake-doctor-shiraz","title":"Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Langhorne Creek Shiraz-Viognier blend (95\/5) bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 98 points by Winestate Magazine for its 2019 vintage, this wine draws its character from a unique cool-climate breeze known locally as the \"Lake Doctor\" — an Antarctic wind that sweeps off Lake Alexandrina each summer afternoon, tempering ripeness and preserving acidity in the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Langhorne Creek, South Australia  |  Varietal: 95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier  |  Winemaker: Ben Riggs\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZonte's Footstep is a Langhorne Creek estate whose vineyards sit on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, southeast of Adelaide. Winemaker Ben Riggs oversees the Lake Doctor Shiraz, which is fermented in a combination of stainless steel vats and open fermenters before spending 12 months maturing in new and used French hogsheads. The small addition of 5% Viognier — co-fermented in the Rhône tradition — stabilizes color, adds aromatic lift, and contributes a subtle thread of sweetness that rounds out the mid-palate. The wine's name honors the cooling \"Lake Doctor\" breeze that travels from the Great Southern Ocean directly from Antarctica, arriving each summer afternoon to lower vineyard temperatures, slow sugar accumulation, and allow the grapes to develop complexity without losing freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe blackberry and fresh red cherry lead, followed by violet florals and mulling-spice nuances. A secondary layer reveals mocha, eucalyptus, and a faint vanilla sweetness from French oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is generous with blueberry and blackberry fruit, immediately dense yet lifted by the Viognier's floral contribution. The mid-palate expands into five-spice complexity, juicy plum-pudding richness, and rosemary-tinged herbal notes. White pepper emerges toward the peak, giving the wine structure and savory definition beneath the fruit weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to long, with fine-grained cedar tannins rolling smoothly across the palate. Lingering impressions of tea leaf, dark cocoa, and dried herbs provide a dry, satisfying conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Lake Doctor Shiraz\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows best at a slight cellar chill — around 16–18°C — poured into a large-bowled glass that allows its aromatics to open fully. Ten to fifteen minutes of breathing after opening rewards with greater complexity. While primarily a wine for the table, it also works in these preparations:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo (red wine and cola):\u003c\/strong\u003e The dense fruit and soft tannins hold up against the sweetness, creating a surprisingly balanced casual serve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed wine sangria:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackberry and plum notes amplify stone fruit and citrus additions without losing structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulled wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e The inherent mulling-spice and five-spice character means fewer added spices are needed, and the Viognier component adds natural aromatic depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to premium Australian Shiraz from a lesser-known region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a weekend barbecue featuring slow-smoked brisket or lamb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates Rhône-style co-fermented blends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Langhorne Creek vertical collection for cellar aging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Lake Doctor Shiraz taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with five-spice complexity, plum-pudding depth, and a smooth, lush texture built on fine cedar tannins. The 5% Viognier adds a subtle floral lift and a touch of sweetness that sets it apart from pure Shiraz bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Lake Doctor Shiraz compare to d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Langhorne Creek Shiraz expressions, but The Dead Arm is a 100% Shiraz aged in American and French oak with a bolder, more tannic profile and typically higher price point. Lake Doctor's Viognier co-ferment produces a softer, more aromatic wine with finer tannins and a more immediately approachable character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Lake Doctor Shiraz good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the wine's balanced fruit density, moderate 14.5% ABV, and smooth tannin structure make it highly enjoyable as a standalone pour, especially with 10–15 minutes of air after opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Lake Doctor Shiraz made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Zonte's Footstep from vineyards in Langhorne Creek, South Australia, located on the shores of Lake Alexandrina southeast of Adelaide. The region is defined by its alluvial soils and the cooling Antarctic breeze known as the \"Lake Doctor.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Lake Doctor Shiraz?\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow-smoked lamb shoulder works particularly well, as the wine's spice and berry fruit complement smoky, rendered fat. Beef short ribs braised in red wine mirror the wine's richness. Hard aged cheeses like vintage cheddar contrast its fruit sweetness. Five-spice duck breast echoes the wine's own spice profile. Dark chocolate desserts with 70% cacao align with the mocha and cocoa notes on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Lake Doctor Shiraz come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Lake Doctor Shiraz worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Doctor Shiraz positions as a mid-range Australian red that punches well above its price tier — the 98-point Winestate score and Platinum Medal from the San Diego Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Competition reflect a level of quality often found in bottles costing significantly more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Lake Doctor Shiraz?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 98-point score from Winestate Magazine and a Platinum Medal at the San Diego Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Competition place this wine in rare company for its price bracket. The Langhorne Creek terroir — specifically the Antarctic \"Lake Doctor\" breeze — gives the fruit a freshness and aromatic precision that warmer-climate Shiraz struggles to achieve. Ben Riggs's decision to co-ferment with 5% Viognier and mature in French hogsheads for 12 months produces a wine that bridges the generosity of Australian Shiraz with the floral elegance of the Northern Rhône. For drinkers looking beyond the Barossa and McLaren Vale, this bottle is one of the most compelling arguments for Langhorne Creek's place in the conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837769216169,"sku":"29641","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Zontes-Footstep-Lake-Doctor-Shiraz__83408.jpg?v=1730493805"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/zonte-s-footstep-lake-doctor.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}