in the vineyard : This dry farmed vineyard was planted in 1995, using Shiraz clone SH9A, grafted onto rootstock R110.
The deep Glenrosa soil type, retains soil moisture well, and ripens the crop early without stressing, during our long hot summers.
Planted on a north-westerly facing rocky outcrop, the vines are pruned to a "bosstok" or bush vine. Depending on the growth, the vine is pruned to between 3 and 6 bearers per vine.
Summer canopy management including a topping, which will reduce wind damage and green cropping at 80% veraison to ensure even ripening.
The vineyard is regularly visited during the ripening period and tested by tasting, visual and analytical examination to determine exact picking date.
in the cellar : Grapes were harvested fully ripe at over 26 balling. The fruit was destalked and lightly crushed. The must then chilled and cold soaked for 5 days before fermenation begun. The wine was pressed off when dry and transferred to new French 225L barrels. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel. The wine was then racked, lightly sulphured and returned to barrel. The wine spent a total of 16 months in oak.