Growing Conditions

The year 2002 goes down as being the coolest, windiest ‘non-summer’ on record, following on from our hottest summer on record in 2001. It was preceded by a wet winter and a spring that was cold, wet and windy-like winter really. The drizzly cold weather affected the flowering and caused poor fruit set, commonly known as ‘hen and chicken’, leading to very little fruit. In particular riesling and shiraz, Eden V alley signature varieties, were the worst affected with crop reductions leaving us with less than 20% in some varieties. In addition the season was 2-3 weeks late due to the unseasonable cold weather.
With the smaller crop level, the balance of sugar, flavour and natural acidity in the fruit were excellent. Despite the pitiful crop 2002 was one of our most exceptional vintages ever, helped by the warm dry Indian summer autumn period, providing sensational colours, flavours and ageing potential.

Nose

Lifted aromas of spicy, sweet ripe black berry fruits, plums and anise with hints of tar, vanilla and cedar.

Palate

Soft rich fruit on the palate with good concentration and complexity. Fleshy in texture, the wine has velvety tannins and a long finish.

Appearance

Deep crimson in colour.

Food Pairing

Lamb and okra tangine.