Growing Season: 2008 began with some excellent spring rain which allowed the vines to get off to a great start . Flowering was perfect with warm days and little wind. Following fruit set the season turned very dry however we had excellent shoot growth by this time giving great vine balance.The vines were not canopy managed as exposure was perfect left to form a natural umbrella. Bunch weight at harvest was low with the dry finish to the year however we were very happy with the fruit intensity. Harvest occurred at night on March 8th.

Winemaking:The grapes were harvested at night to ensure they arrived at the winery at low temperature. They were crushed and de-stemmed prior to being transferred to open fermentors. The must was inoculated using L2323 yeast and fermentation was held between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius . The cap was plunged by hand every eight days for 5 days. The wine was pressed off skins then transferred to three year old French and four year old American and oak. The wine was then racked every six weeks before being returned to barrel.Following nine months in barrel the wine was prepared for bottling which was done in November 2009.

Analysis:
pH: 3.5
Ta: 6.1
Res Sugar: 2 g/L
Production 880 cases
Release December 2009
Recommended Retail Price $22.00

This is a pretty tidy red. It has prominent acidity but lovely fruit flavour – its appeal is not dissimilar to that of a decent quality Chianti. It tastes of mulberries, earth, dark cherries and fresh cedarwood. It’s got grainy, savoury tannin and a fresh, juicy finish. Pretty good wine.

Rated : 89+ Points
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : $25
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2011 - 2014
Campbell Mattinson » www.winefront.com.au