The lead-up to the 2013 vintage saw an early onset of summer, with occasional thunderstorms and only four heat spikes, into the 40's over summer. A cooler than average January followed bay a warm February, brought the predicted early vintage wvwn further forward. Even after the dry-feta of winter/spring/summer the word from the winery floor was that it would be another great Eden Valley riesling year, followed up with some great old-vine shiraz. Fortunately, a desperately needed 16mm of rain came, the first for nearly six months, at the beginning of March to help the dry0grown vines struggle through to full maturity. The roller0coaster weather at the end of March nearly brought the harvest to a halt, but a return to the Indian summer conditions in early April gave us a chance to get the late varieties in Eden Valley over the line for another great vintage of average yields and fabulous quality.

Rich and beguiling aromas of blackberry, blueberry and dark plum, followed by signature exotic five spice, star anise, with underlying nuances of beef stock and dark cedar.

Intense and layered, the complex palate bursts with a dense, pure core of sweet spiced plum and blackberry, coated by firm yet integrated, diet velvety tannins which draw away to an extraordinary long finish and lingering flavours of dried, sweet spices.

Very deep crimson in colour.

Matured in 86% French and 14% American (56% new, 44% seasoned) hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.