The beginning of the Adelaide Hills season for the 2012 vintage saw cold winter conditions with below average rainfall. Rainfall was also below average in spring with mild conditions and an early budburst. Flowering and fruit set were affected by persistent morning fogs and drizzly weather, which led to a reduction in crop and smaller bunches. Summer was mild with average temperatures influenced by moderating southerlies off the ocean in January and only two heat events, at New Year and at the end of February. The coldest periods were the second week of January and the second week of February. This provided for slow ripening, which encouraged intense fruit flavours, high natural acidity and good balance. Rainfall leading up to vintage was above average, with the heaviest rainfall events in late January and late February.

Fragrant, perfumed aromas of strawberries, cherries and cream, and wild forest berries with subtle hints of cloves and spices.

The rich, juicy palate is tightly wound with layers of crushed herbs and mint, rolling into subtle red currant and wild berry fruit flavours, while the beautiful acid balance and fine-grained tannins provide a long and velvety finish.

Crimson in colour with ruby hues.

Matured on lees in 35% new and 65% used French barriques for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.

Temperatures were average going into an early harvest at the beginning of March, warming into an Indian summer in April. This allowed for a long window of picking, finishing on April 20.