Winemaker Notes
Viticulture: The fruit from this wine was sourced from premium vineyards within the Limestone Coast region, with the majority coming from the Connawarra and Wrattonbully regions. The Limestone Coast is one of Australia's leading wine producing areas, located half way between Melbourne and Adelaide. The region is famous for outcrops of red soil that sits above a hard layer of coastal limestone – hence the regions name. Careful crop management ensures low yields and intensely flavored fruit. The 1999 vintage was mild to warm during the ripening period, producing fruit with excellent color and flavor development.
Professional Ratings
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Covering a long strip of southeastern coastline in South Australia, the Limestone Coast growing region has a moderately cool climate and includes the subregions of Coonawarra, Mount Benson, Mount Gambier, Padthaway, Robe and Wrattonbully.
Its warm northern and inland areas are recognized for high quality, full-bodied Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The much cooler Mount Gambier, to the extreme south, is well-suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.