The 2005 vintage was early and warm, with fantastic quality and good yields. 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.

Rich aromas of ripe blackberries and plums with complex savoury hints of sage, black pepper, star anise and dark chocolate.

The alluring palate is an intense and concentrated blend of sweet, juicy plum fruit and savoury spice with layers of seamless texture, lush tannins and a lingering finish.

Deep red with violet hues.

Matured in 90% new and 10% seasoned, French (67%) and American (33%) 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 has been ranked as one of the best on record, after 2002, with all varieties showing strongly. Once again the signature varieties of Eden Valley, riesling and shiraz, performed brilliantly.