Vintage Notes: The 2007 vintage will be remembered for the driest winter and spring on record. Early recognition of the severity of the drought triggered supplementary irrigation as early as bud swell. Unlike many other areas McLaren Vale was unaffected by frost. The environmentally sensitive use of recycled water to supplement underground water resources allowed the establishment and maintenance of balanced canopies. Yields were well down, due to small berries and loose open bunches. Rain in January caused some minor berry splitting but breathed new life into the vines. Split berries shriveled away cleanly and the only detrimental effect was on yield. Steady ripening has resulted in intensely flavoured fruit with the red wines showing vibrant fruit and textured tannins.

Winemaking: Cabernet Sauvignon (predominantly clones LC10 and CW44), grown on both red and black soils over limestone on the Shingleback Vineyard, are selected for this wine. Partial cold soaking prior to fermentation maximises the fragrance of the finished wine. Extended fermentation time on skins helps to capture the essence of the fruit and gives a silky but firm tannin finish. Maturation for an average of 14 months in fine-grained French, Central European and American oak hogsheads, softens, enhances and integrates the fruit and structural components of the wine.

90 pts - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, October 2009, USA

93 pts - James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011

GOLD MEDAL - 2009 Mundus Vini International Wine Awards, Germany

SILVER MEDAL - 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition,

UK SILVER MEDAL - 2009 International Wine Challenge, Vienna