2017 was a more ‘traditional’ McLaren Vale vintage with a cold winter and early spring leading to a late start to bud burst. The spring and summer period was relatively mild with no significant heat spikes to cause sunburn or canopy damage. Yields were average to above average and significant effort was applied to get crops into balance with bunch thinning. The end result was a relatively long, mild ripening period without disease risk allowing fruit to develop wonderful fruit intensity and excellent natural balance.

Colour:Brilliant deep red with intense vibrancy.

Bouquet:Rich tapestry of aromas of ripe mulberry, dark plum flesh, rhubarb & raspberries with further complexity from dark chocolate, peat, black olive and cedar oak aromas.

Palate:Powerful McLaren Vale Shiraz flavours of chocolate, smoked meats and freshly tilled earth with layers of plum, raspberry and blueberry fruits. Powerful and loaded with flavour but with wonderful restraint and poise on the palate. The highlight is the tannin balance, with incredibly fine lingering natural tannin providing structure that gives the wine outstanding length & persistence

Ideal for cellaring from 5-10+ years.

95 GOLD POINTS - 2021 Halliday Wine Companion

""Hand picked across a vineyard that is a century and a quarter old. The tannins here are increasingly refined and tautly furled by apposite extraction and long maturation in high-quality French oak. Violet lift. Further scents of blueberry, mulberry, clove, pepper grind and nori. The cedar and mocha-laden tension across the finish is this rich wine's totem. Oak, of course, but seamlessly handled, while auguring well for a long unravelling during extended time in the cellar.""