A nervous season for grapegrowers, 2000 saw the tail end of two cyclones pass through the South-West. After passing benignly over Margaret River heavy rainfall was experienced in many of the inland grapegrowing areas. The fickle nature of such weather patterns left the Frankland property from which this wine was sourced virtually untouched by rain.

The nose is deep and intense with ripe cherries and wonderful hints of black pepper so distinctive of Shiraz from the Great Southern. Spicy tones from the oak complement the regional fruit character.

Even in its extreme youth this wine has masses of character evident with a palate spilling over in complex flavours and textures. Such layers of flavour are rare in such a young wine suggesting extreme promise. This is an outstanding wine that truly demonstrates the potential of the Great Southern as a Shiraz region.

Black heart and a youthful purple.