Our entry level Shiraz has become a bit of a surprise package over recent years. Since 2002, the wine has been a blend of two regions. This release is a blend of Hunter Shiraz, harvested from our younger vines, and around 40% Barossa Valley Shiraz, from an old dry grown vineyard. All fruit was hand picked. During the 5 day cold-soak period, 10% of the juice from the Hunter fruit was bled off to our Rose to concentrate flavour and structure. Fermentation was in open top fermenters, and plunged by hand. Following ferment, MLF took place in barrel, where the wine was sulphured and left to mature for 18 months. The oak for this wine is around 80% French, 20% American, 50% of which is new. In terms of style, we try to produce a wine that is distinct from the Bridie’s Reserve in ways other than simply the amount and quality of new oak. To achieve this we use the multi-regional fruit characters, and focus on achieving a full style, that is both powerful and immanently drinkable.

“Strong purple-red; a powerful wine, with the Barossa Valley component leading the way; intense and focussed blackberry and plum / dark chocolate fruit; good length and much potential.”

93 POINTS

James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008 Edition