Vintage 2007: marked the culmination of a record drought in McLaren Vale (and indeed the rest of Australia) which resulted in tiny crops, from unexpectedly healthy vines. Whites in particular kept their basal leaves far longer than was expected which protected fruit from sunburn. Vintage 2007 started (and finished) approximately one month early and fruit is characterised by good acid retention, power AND elegance...... altogether an unusual but excellent vintage. Both red and white wines have amazing potential.
Winemaking: 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.