Growing Conditions

The 2013 harvest was expected to be early, with the Easter full moon very close to the autumn equinox, and sure enough budburst started early in spring 2012. All varieties woke to a cool and mild spring, with cabernet the last to greet the sun on October 1. A snow flurry in early October led into a mild November, with warm days and nights providing excellent conditions for flowering. Set was excellent across all varieties. Spring was conspicuous for its dryness but thankfully frost free, and as summer approached the vines developed beautifully balanced canopies and rain was just a distant memory. It was not to rain again until the end of harvest, seven dry months that produced a green drought. As harvest time approached, it was abundantly clear that 2013 was going to be exceptional in terms of yield and quality across all varieties. The 2013 harvest will be remembered as near perfection in a year of snow and drought, truly a rare and exceptional vintage.

Nose

A brooding bouquet of dark plum, blueberry, cassis and mulberry with fragrant nuances of violets and crushed, flowering herbs, and more subtle hints of blackcurrant and anise spice.

Palate

Concentrated, sweet dark plum, blueberry and mulberry flavours and a fleshy mid-palate are supported with ripe, driving acidity, great minerality and silky tannins for a beautifully structured, lingering finish.

Appearance

Deep crimson with vibrant red hues.

Aging

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