The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley. 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’.

The nose displays sweet, ripe blueberry and plum fruits integrated with hints of cedar, smoked meats and crushed sage.

The fleshy palate is rich and juicy with great depth of complexity, balanced acidity and long, layered, velvety tannins.

Intense deep crimson in colour.

Matured in 77% new and 23% seasoned French hogsheads for 20 months prior to blending and bottling.

While there was some damage in Eden Valley from frost, this had only a 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 minor sunburn on exposed fruit. Mild dry autumn conditions allowed for the development of wonderfully balanced shiraz fruit quality.