Across the temperate south west of Western Australia, the winter of 2015 was typically mild with sufficient rain to fill catchments. The spring was less blustery than preceding years and the start to summer, warm to hot. All in all, a promising start. As summer progressed, the early warmth suggested a rapid fire, short vintage. Then in the third week of January, this prediction was derailed by a significant (65 to 90 mm in one day) – an unprecedented deluge. The rain proved to be more of a blessing than a curse due to the dryness of the soil profile and the timing of the event. With verasion well advanced in late January, the native marri bloomed throughout the region, keeping the birds otherwise occupied and away from the precious grapes! This “bird pressure” as we call it, has a significant impact on quality, quantity and stress levels in any vintage. The remainder of the vintage progressed with little weather distractions.

Cabernet aromas of mint, violets, savoury dry herbs and briary hedgerow fruits, all spiced with a touch of mocha and toasted oak. The palate is a bag of bramble fruits – red currants, mulberries, plums, blackberries and blueberries, all supple and rich. This ambling fruit power is bridled by an ample swathe of fine fruit tannins, well assisted by the finest grained French oak.

Deep garnet in colour with youthful and classic .

Saltbush spit roasted lamb, with wild rosemary gravy.