Winemaker Notes
Deep crimson with a dark ruby core. Fragrant and spicy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, fresh plum, cassis, violets, black pepper, sage and bay leaf with underlying notes of cedar, charcuterie, baking spices and anise. The palate is rich, plush and complex, with layers of dark forest fruits, plum and spicy pepper, balanced by fresh acidity and carried by fine-grained tannins for a long and elegant finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is very good. A rich wine, yet the weight is belied by cool, seductive aromas of mint, garden herbs and blue forest fruit accents, lifted by lilacs and a hint of smoked meat. The mid-palate is gently reductive but in a controlled fashion, not impinging on the succulence. The tannins are sinuous and long limbed, directing the effusive flow of flavor. This is an exceptional release of a cuvee that is often solid, if seldom at this elevated level.
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Wine Spectator
A refined, satiny red, with plenty of polish to its date-nut bread, spiced plum, black licorice, bay leaf, black peppercorn and tobacco notes, which are seamlessly integrated. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2035. 4,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
The Barossa Zone encompasses the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Some of the oldest vines in Australia can be found here.
Barossa Valley of course is the most important and famous wine growing region in all of Australia where 140+ year-old, dry-farmed Shiraz vines still produce inky, purple and dense juice for some of Australia's best wines.
In the cooler, wetter Eden Valley sub-region, the Hill of Grace vineyard is home to famous Shiraz vines from the 1800s but the region produces also some of Australia’s very best and age-worthy Rieslings.