Traditionally made in open fermenters and matured in a mixture of both old (60%) and new (40%) French and American oak. Of the new oak component, 90% was French and the balance American. The Cabernet Sauvignon has benefited from the addition of a small percentage of ‘cordon cut’ ‘Amarone’ style Cabernet which was left to dry on the vine for about two weeks after harvest. Separately fermented and matured, it was blended back just prior to bottling. This ‘Amarone’ style component adds an interesting twist to this single vineyard wine.

In many regards 2004 was a perfect vintage: decent winter rains, a mild growing season, no significant falls of rain during vintage and an overall long cool growing season. Certainly there were healthy crops which saw some bunch thinning at veraison. The result? Fragrant, perfumed red wines which show excellent varietal character, supple tannins and overall balance.