Nose
Bouquet of dark sweet plums, blackberries, liquorice, cracked black pepper and cocoa.
Palate
The palate structure is concentrated and compact with intense berry fruits, hints of brushed earth and chalk, entwined with ripe grape and fine oak tannins.
Whilst tightly knit in structure, time will allow this extraordinary wine to soften and yield its classic Great Southern heritage.
Growing Conditions
growing season began with average winter rain and a wet and warm spring that extended well into December and made for a late start to a gentle summer.
These wet conditions, coincided with flowering and contributed to poor fruit set and consequent low yields in most varieties. A warm March allowed for full ripeness in all varieties. After a cool few weeks and rain in early April, the Indian summer returned and remained well into May. Albeit protracted, the vintage finished in warm and dry autumn conditions that proved near perfect for ripening.
Winemaking
After fermentation and some post fermentation maceration, the grapes were gently basket-pressed to oak barriques. A small component of the Shiraz was pressed early to finish fermentation in barrel and enhance palate texture, complexity and oak infusion.
Maturation in French oak barriques for approximately 18 months allowed for the full integration of the oak and grape tannins into the wine. After minimal fining and filtration, the wine was bottled in October 2010 and released 4 to 6 months after bottling.
Appearance
Deep ruby colour.
