The 2010 growing season was preceded by above average winter rainfall. Spring was mild with little frost damage and gave us an even budburst. The weather remained cold and wet through spring, which held back growth until a two-week high 30s heat wave in November affected flowering and fruit set. Spring rains continued into early summer right through until mid-December, making it the wettest year since 2005. The vines responded to the heat and grew vigorously until early January, developing lush canopies, but bunch development suffered as a result. A roller-coaster ride of heat spikes and cool changes continued through a warm summer with occasional thunderstorms. The vines went through veraison a week earlier than 2009. Lower yields coupled with the mild ripening period resulted in concentrated fruit. Vintage began a week earlier than 2009 and was in full swing by mid-February. The white vintage was all but finished a month later while the red harvest continued with deeply coloured, well-balanced grapes being picked during mild, dry conditions until the end of April.

Spicy and fragrant Satsuma plums are carried by cracked black peppercorns, fresh bay leaf and charcuterie; supported by enchanting notes of mocha and cedar oak.

Rich and soft blackberry and blueberry fruit fills the palate, woven with anise, bay leaf, Dutch cocoa and black pepper, finishing long and complex with lingering silky tannins.

Deep crimson with brick red hues.

Matured in 60% new and 40% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to bottling.