Vintage 2005 was early, warm, quick, fantastic quality with good yields - and ex- hausting. 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-coaster of weekly thunderstorms that helped maintain good subsoil moisture. Rains in January were followed by a dry February, and the dry weather continued right through the autumn.

Exhibiting sweet, lifted, spicy aromas of cassis, anise and violets; complex with hints of cedar and tar.

The palate is lush, fleshy and lay- ered with sweet fruit; concentrated and complex with good length.

Very deep crimson in colour.

Matured in 100% new French hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Warmer than usual autumnal weather caused an early, compact harvest of above average yields. 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, i.e., riesling and shiraz, performed brilliantly.