Ripe, clean aromas of berry and currants hit the nose before subtle brambly and oak notes join the party. The palate has classic Cabernet flavours with the volume turned up, as the McLaren Vale does so well. Dark cherry, raspberry and cassis notes are powerful, tamed by the tannin structure which imparts length and a softness to the palate.
From the Winery
Sourced from a combination of established, dry-grown vineyards in central South Australia and low-yielding McLaren Vale vineyards. Wines are made and matured by Jim Zerella in McLaren Vale. The combination of two regions delivers well-balanced wines with excellent intensity of flavour whilst maintaining elegance and versatility as a food match.
Winemaking: Fruit is chilled before de-stemming and a cold soak for three days. Each parcel is fermented separately with the McLaren Vale Shiraz fermented in small open two tonne vessels before maturation in two to four year old oak barrels for six months. The Big Rivers component is fermented and matured in stainless steel before blending.
The 2015 vintage in South Australia was outstanding. Good soil moisture allowed the vines to weather the warm, dry summer conditions. Early Autumn rains refreshed the vines before cooler temperatures allowed a long, even ripening. A richly flavoured but well balanced year.
