The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills. 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 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 a minor sunburn on exposed fruit.

A complex nose of ripe lemon and lime, citrus zest and candied orange peel, with toasty marmalade and clove oil nuances highlighting a beautiful stage in its development.

Intense, clean citrus fruit and lemon grass flavours lead to a powerful core, textured and beautifully structured with fine, crisp, natural acidity providing length and longevity.

Golden straw in colour.

Fermented in tank and bottled post-vintage to preserve the delicate aromatic fruit characters. Bottle aged at Henschke Cellars in Keyneton for museum release.

Whites were nearly all picked by the end of March, an unusual situation.