Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz

Growing Region: 60% Clare Valley & 40% McLaren Vale

Chief Winemaker: Adam Eggins

TASTING NOTE:
A balanced mix of both Clare Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz fruit - the 2010 vintage was characterised by generally favourable growing conditions. Crops were balanced and the wines emerging from the red varieties were of a particularly high standard. The skins were very thick and dark with a good level of tannin.

After harvest the grapes were gently de-stemmed and transferred to stainless steel fermenters. A portion of the grapes were cold soaked for a few days to deliver increased fruit expression. The fruit was then fermented at a constant warm temperature using specific Shiraz yeast. The wine was then gently pressed to American oak hogshead barrels (10% new, and 80% 1-3 year old) for secondary, malolactic fermentation. After oak maturation, the wine was blended, fined, filtered and bottled in January 2012.

In the glass the wine has a deep red colour, with a vibrant purple hue to the edges. There are lifted aromas of dark berries along with ripe plums and spicy overtones of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove aromas. This is a rich, full-bodied wine with intense flavours of ripe plum and blackberry fruit, with attractive oak characters of mocha-coffee. The palate is well balanced with a silky, subtle texture to the mid-palate whilst the tannins are enjoyably chewy and the finish, long and persistent. Decant for 45mins and serve at 17C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Approachable this winter season; but will aged well for the next 8-10 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with venison, beef, grilled steak served with a wine sauce, enjoy.

A confident and expressive red wine.