The 2005 vintage was early, warm and quick with fantastic quality and good yields. Above average winter rains led into a beautiful spring, with some early November frosts but good flowering weather in late November and early December. Summer was wet and wild, with an amazing roller-coater of weekly thunderstorms that helped maintain good subsoil moisture. Rains in January were followed by a dry February, and the dry weather caused an early, compact harvest of above average yields.

A complex, spicy nose of blueberries, blackberries and plums with hints of roast meats, pepper and tar.

The intensely fruited palate is lush and textured with layers of chocolate and leather, balanced by velvety tannins to create a long and lingering finish.

Very deep crimson with brick-red hues.

Matured in 80% new and 20% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

The late Indian summer lasted into May, well after all the fruit was harvested, at maturity figures, flavour and colour not seen before the 2002 vintage. The quality of the 2005 vintage is sure to be ranked as one of the best on record, after 2002, with all varieties showing strongly. Once again the signature varieties for Eden Valley (shiraz and riesling) performed brilliantly.