Growing Conditions
After one of the worst droughts in history the soil moisture profile and dams were lower than at the start of winter. Spring was frosty and windy but not overly wet. The frosts in October were bad news for many, although the rains were at least strategic, which resulted in better fruit set than the previous year. The hot, dry and windy weather during summer stressed the vines severely, reducing the berry size and crop. A serious rain event occurred in late February causing some fruit split. 2003 must surely go down on record as being one of our hottest, driest and windiest summers, leading to a smaller vintage of potentially very good quality.
Nose
Sweet ripe lifted aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant with hints of mint, dark chocolate and exotic spices.
Palate
The sweet rich ripe palate shows good weight and acidity, and is lush with concentrated ripe cherry flavours, layered and textured with chunky tannins on a long finish.
Appearance
Very deep crimson in colour.
Food Pairing
Saddle of venison with parsnips & beetroot.
