The 2017 is a blend of 16 unique individual Shiraz parcels, made from fruit grown from throughout the Barossa Region. The blend of cooler climate Eden Valley Shiraz (45%) and warmer climate Barossa Valley Shiraz (55%) combine
beautifully to enhance the palate structure and aromatics. An array of fermentation techniques were utilised, all involving extended skin contact and gentle hand-plunging. Each of the fermentations retained varying levels of whole-bunch fruit clusters from 10 to 60%, then after 20-25 days on skins each ferment was pressed into a mix of new (45%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads. After a maturation of 15 months the wine was blended, naturally clarified and bottled without finings or filtration.
Deep crimson in colour with a perfumed spicy mix of wild-berry and dried Spring herbs. The palate is richly concentrated with a focused red fruit core surrounded by delicious, supple layered tannins.
96 points Campbell Mattinson: James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion:
Fruit from eight vineyards across the Barossa and Eden valleys, anywhere from 10-60% whole bunches depending on the batch, 3 weeks on skins and all French oak, 45% new. The wine stands out. Spice, fruit, pepper and wood smoke flavours explode onto the palate and ramp the seduction from there. It’s both supple and fresh, but the fruit power is obvious. In short, it’s really good. Drink by 2034.