The Great Southern began the growing season with just adequate soil moisture and catchment fill. Cool and blustery spring weather in November impacted flowering, set and early spring growth. Summer was punctuated by hot spells, which magnified the effects of little spring or summer rain. The south facing vineyard sites did receive some cooling breezes off the southern ocean and the more continental sub region of Frankland at least experienced cooler nights. These hot, dry conditions accelerated ripeness with sugar accumulation well in advance of flavour in late March. A sporadic deluge of between 25 to 60 mm in early April, as autumn temperatures cooled, did slow the red maturities. The below average yields have produced wines full of concentrated fruit, ample acidity and fine tannins.

Concentrated cool climate notes of satsuma plum, black cherry, molasses, mocha and cracked black pepper.

The palate has a focused and dense core of red flesh fruits. Mineral notes of graphite, dry savoury herbs and sweet oak, gently season this restrained yet powerful wine.

Dark plum.