Shiraz is the most widely planted red grape variety in Australia. It is known for producing outstanding rich reds, with a classic spicy finish. Shiraz has long been recognised for growing particularly well in warmer and drier regions such as those in South Australia and also Mudgee in New South Wales. In these environments, it achieves a richness of varietal character and depth of concentration that best suits our Diamond Label style.
Regional Source: The grapes for this wine were sourced predominantly from our vineyards in the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Central Ranges, and Southern New South Wales.
Vintage Conditions: Four factors converged during the 2003 vintage: nationwide drought; extreme heat in some regions; widespread rains in February; and low fruitfulness in cool-climate areas. Overall in most regions the low yields, caused partially by small bunch weights and partially by the drought, were the key to the high quality of fruit and concentrated flavours.
Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah)
Maturation: Some of the wine was fermented in old traditional open vats and headed down producing a softer, plummy style. The remainder was placed in red wine fermenters with regular pumping over to extract colour and flavour. Aged in American oak for 6 months.
