winemaker's notes:
1997 Balmoral has an excellent deep purple/red colour, and an aroma showing intense, concentrated plum and blackberry fruit underpinned by extremely well integrated American oak. The palate shows the typical full length, expressive fruit and velvety richness, that defines Balmoral. The concentration of berry fruits, cloves and spices wrapped tightly together around the savoury oak combine into a seamlessly fine, lingering finish. Reflecting the prolonged warm summer conditions, the firm but well rounded tannins are interwoven with a fine thread of acidity and provide the necessary balance and structure for an extended bottle life and long term maturation.
The intense fruit flavours and rich, velvety characteristics of the 1997 vintage will no doubt add to the reputation that has made Balmoral a modern day classic of Australian winemaking.
This is a wine for long term maturation which will begin to show its best in about five years time, building to its full potential at approximately 10 to 15 years of age, and possibly up to 20 years with appropriate storage.
