2006 Vintage

VinesMGrenache Nuriootpa clone, Shiraz Clone PT10, Mouvédre Clone R2V13.
All these vines are in the original ‘trial’ block, planted in 1987.

VineyardMThere is a mere 1 acre of these vines.

VintageMFairly average rainfall, though the dry late spring was relieved by a downpour in late summer. The harvest time was the first week in May, with the yield being 2 tons in total.

Winemaking
The hand-harvested grapes were chilled and destemmed. The cold grapes were macerated at less than 10°C for 8 days, followed by inoculation with selected yeasts. Fermentation was in our new own design, 2,000 litre vats. Plunging was twice a day by automatic plunger and at the end of fermentation, the vats were sealed with the gas tight lids and left to macerate on the skins for 6 weeks. At the completion, the vats were drained slowly by gravity and with no air contact. The skins were pressed by pneumatic press and the press wine & free run were kept separate until final blending. The wine was finished in matured French oak for 18 months, in temperature controlled storage.

Tasting Notes
Spicy fruit with hints of pepper feature on the aroma of this wine. It appears with a medium density in colour, translating to the medium bodied palate. It is very European in style – a contrast to the ripe Barossa Valley style. It will embrace most food as it has attractive fruit & acid balance in the mouth.