David O'Leary and Nick Walker combine a wealth of experience, acquired during their time as corporate winemakers behind such labels as Hardy and Krondorf, Yellowglen and Annies Lane. From a single block of ancient, organically grown vines, established to Joan and Martin Smith's property over a hundred twenty years ago, the rich grey loam and pebbled slate soils yield an august, powerful wine. Generous and elegant, a refined seamlessness of palate and substantial weight of fruit for such very old vines, Clare Valley Shiraz of opulence and grace.
Bunches of Shiraz are de stemmed into a traditional two tonnes fermenter, vinified through the action of natural ambient yeasts. Batches are hand plunged up to four times daily for optimal control of temperature and extraction, maximising flavour and infusing elegant tannins. Upon completion, ferments remain on skins for a fortnight, followed by a gentle press into the luxury of the finest French oak barriques for thirty months maturation. Only a few hundred cases are made out of the best vintage years.
Deep dark red, intense purple hues. Rich concentrated forest fruit nose, spices, chocolate and cedar notes. Juicy middle palate and intense depth of fruit, layer upon layer of bramble, currants and seasoned plum, all supported by long grainy tannins and a measure of complex oak. Long, clean flavours, exquisite in its seamlessness, Shiraz of extraordinary length.
