 |
 |
Three Valleys Shiraz
Shiraz fruit for this wine is sourced from three valleys on mainland South Australia (not from Kangaroo Island). To be precise two valleys and a "vale" -- Eden Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale. Premium dry grown fruit is fermented separately and matured in new American Oak barriques. Several composite barrels are also used - that is barrels with American oak staves with French oak heads.
Fruit from each of the three valleys adds its own particular character, resulting in a more complex wine. The Eden Valley fruit providing pepper and spice, the Clare Valley, structure and strength, and the McLaren Vale portion adding a little more strength and some beautiful ripe black fruit characters.
The percentage of Shiraz fruit used from each individual valley may vary from year to year depending on vintage conditions.
| 1999 vintage | Eden Valley | 58% |
| Clare Valley | 28% | |
| McLaren Vale | 14% |
| 2000 vintage | McLaren Vale | 52% |
| Clare Valley | 30% | |
| Eden Valley | 18% |
We believe that varying the ratios of the blend each year we are able to maintain a consistent product.
The wines on release display a rich bouquet of pepper and spice, with toast American oak. Ripe berry fruits and sweet American oak dominate the palate, balanced with fine tannins on the finish. This Shiraz will benefit from extended cellaring if stored in the correct conditions.