Vintage 2005 was early, warm, quick, fantastic quality with good yields - and exhausting.
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. 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 is sure to be ranked as one of the best on record, after 2002,
with all varieties showing strongly. Once again the signature varieties of riesling and shiraz,
from Eden Valley performed brilliantly.

Complex aromas of concentrated dark berry fruits and blackcurrant with nuances of oriental spices, mint and crushed herbs.

The palate is plush and full of rich dark fruit and dried herb flavours, elegant layers of fine tannin and a long, complete and luscious finish.

Intense deep crimson with violet hues.

Matured in new French (65%) and American (35%) hogsheads for 21 months prior to blending and bottling.