The lead-up to the 2013 vintage was an early onset of summer, with occasional thunderstorms and only four heat spikes, into the 40s, over summer. A cooler than average January followed by a warm February, brought the predicted early vintage even further forward. Fortuantly, a desperately needed 16mm of rain came, the first for nearly six months, a the beginning of March to help the dry-grown vines struggle through to full maturity. The roller-coaster weather ride continued through March with almost weekly cycles of hot and cold. Cool drizzly weather at the end of March nearly brought the harvest to a halt, but a return to the Indian summer conditions in early April gave us a chance to get the late varieties in Eden Valley over the line another great vintage of average yields and fabulous, rock-solid quality.

Fragrant and rich aromas of ripe blackberry, cassis, dark plum and blackcurrant compote, lifted by violets and hints of black olive, bramble, cedar and vanilla.

Fleshy and textural, the palate is beautifully balanced by complex plum and blackcurrant flavours and supported by soft, succulent red currant and briary notes, with layered fine-grained tannins and excellent length.

Deep crimson in colour.

Matured in 41% new and 59% seasoned French hogsheads for 18 months prior ti blending and bottling.