100% old-vine shiraz grown in the Barossa (Eden Valley and Barossa Valley). Matured in 77% new and 23% used French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

The Barossa has a core of traditional growers of Lutheran descent dating back fivegenerations, staunchly continuing the traditions of their forebears. Occasionally one or two parcels of fruit of overwhelming quality come over the weighbridge; this wine is one such example. The 50-year-old, low-yielding vines are growing in low-fertility Neoproterozoic soils more than 542 million years old, ranging from red-brown earths to terra rossa. The fully ripe black shiraz grapes were sourced from grower vineyards in Tappa Pass and Light Pass and were vinified in traditional open-top fermenters.

The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley. After a late break in mid-June 2005, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. Some varieties, such as riesling and shiraz, suffered more than others from poor set, leading to ‘hen and chicken’. While there was some damage in Eden Valley from frost, this had only a minor impact on the overall yield; however, yields in most varieties were down by 15-20%. The summer was mild with southerly winds, reminiscent of 2002. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit. Mild dry autumn conditions allowed for the development of wonderfully balanced shiraz fruit quality.

Mulberry-black in colour. Lifted sweet, spicy aromas of anise, blackberry, tar and cedar, with attractive smoky dark chocolate accents. A complex, concentrated palate of sweet, ripe, lush black berry fruits and bitter chocolate with a long, elegant velvety finish. Excellent vintage, drink now to 2021.