The 2007 growing season was warmer than usual. Spring frosts affected some parts of the Adelaide Hills, hence quantities were down slightly. Shiraz grapes ripened slowly and evenly resulting in intense colour, pepper-spice flavours and great intensity. Crop levels were limited to 2kg per vine.
Hand harvested bunches were crushed, destemmed and underwent fermentation in small fermenters. During fermentation the fruit was regularly hand plunged and pumped over to extract colour, flavour and tannins. A small batch approach was adopted throughout. Maturated in new (1/3) and older French oak barriques for 14 months to retain fruit integrity and brightness.
Trophy for The Best Australian Red Rhone Varietal over £10 - Decanter World Wine Awards
Gold Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards
The quality of this has risen so fast, and so consistently that in five years or so it has become an established star. Melted velvet. It needs time to settle, but this will turn out to be a terrifically elegant, fine-boned wine. It tastes of blueberries, fennel roots, five-spice and cedarwood, though mostly it tastes of Class (note the capital C). The feel of this wine in your mouth is really quite something. Drink: 2012-2018. Price: $39. Alcohol: 14%. Seal: Screwcap. Value * * * * * 96 Points; The Big Red Wine Book; Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh.
