We had terrific winter and spring rains leading up to vintage 2017, a marked contrast to the previous year, proving once again if proof were needed, that every vintage is different. We had a cool early part to spring too, combined with the spring rain. Flowering was about 3 weeks later than the previous year which of course meant that vintage was 3 weeks later than normal, or as some old locals said sagely, back to the old normal. There was a very long and slow ripening period which is terrific for allowing grapes to develop their flavours. We had a pretty dry February March and April, once the spring rains finished in mid-January. Overall a late vintage with some incredibly promising reds.

Small batch winemaking is the order of the day; small amounts of Touriga, Graciano and Shiraz were open fermented separately. Some of the batches spent time in older oak, some did not. The 3 varieties were blended prior to bottling. Touriga Nacional from Portugal, Graciano from Spain and Shiraz from McLaren Vale! Yes, we do know that ampelographers believe that Shiraz originated in the town of Shiraz in Persia, but we think it has found its true home here in the Vale.

• 2018 Wine Companion

  Campbell Mattinson
  Published 01 August 2018

  Low alcohol but dark colour and no sign of unripeness. Light on its feet but jubey and sweet with herb and dust-like notes as tempering agents. Chewy finish works well. Super fresh. Excellent drink-now option.

  90 Points

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