growing conditions in the south west of Western Australia were, yet again, favourable for the making of great wine. After a winter of just enough rain, the spring to autumn period was continuously warm to hot, dry and characterised by less than average summer precipitation or humidity. An added bonus to the benign harvest conditions was the explosion of native blossom which sated the otherwise grape-loving, resident bird populations. The Mount Barker sub region experienced warm to hot conditions throughout vintage. Hot spells in March magnified the effect of little spring or summer rain. With soil moisture very low, the cooler south facing vineyards did receive some reprieve off the southern ocean. This relief was however limited as the seasonal onshore streams that deliver coastal drizzle and cooler conditions across the region, were weaker than normal. These warmer than average conditions did accelerate ripeness and allowed most varieties to be harvested early.

The nose is alluring and plush; rich plum and currants, violets, rose petal and cocoa. A luxurious and seamless texture delivers flavour in unfurling layers across the palate – concentrated blueberry, blackcurrant, vanilla, coffee and aniseed. A perfectly delicate expression of cabernet fruit with a powerful yet yielding structural framework which will support the wine for a long period of time.

Dark ruby colour.