70% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 10% Mourvèdre. The original block of vines, planted in 1918, on the lower side of the winery, has a plentiful amount of ironstone throughout the soil structure, which enhances the body and tannic structure of the wine. The soils vary from deep sand over clay, loam over limestone, classic terra rossa, and red shallow clays to hard rock and shale based soils. Vines are 30-120 years old. Grapes are basket-pressed, and the free-run and pressings are combined in oak. No cold soak, and the ferments are inoculated immediately. Ferment finished in barrel and 100% malolactic. Matured in a mixture of French and American oak, both new and old for 12 months. No fining and minimal filtration. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Bottled March 2005 . Chief winemaker Chester Osborn, Senior winemaker Jack Walton.

Spicy, farmyardy, leathery smell. 15% alcohol is just too hot, but it is a good, savoury, complex wine, with a spicy, oaky finish. It’s good, but just a little fiery. Alc 15%, TA 6.5g/l, pH 3.45, RS 0.3g/l. Available from Wine Direct and 6 branches.
15/10/2008

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