Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

'Mature now, with musky plum jam and leather aromas and a prickly balsamic freshness. Long, smooth-textured and rounded palate, the acidity is quite forthright (but is natural, not added). Big and bold, but with a great sense of focus, the juicy, gently chewy tannins have now melted into the wine. Great complexity; wild yet refined. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks fermentation and three weeks maceration in 2,000L open-top wooden fermenters. Aged for 18 months on lees then a further six months on fine lees.' - Matt Walls, Decanter.com, 98/100 (May 2022)

‘Extraordinary to suddenly realise the concentrated power, the tense structural strength informing the graceful ease of 04! As always, Shiraz with 20% Mourvèdre. Darkly ripe fruit, lightly perfumed, nutmeg spice, hints of blackcurrant, in emerging complexity; the usual savoury, subtle, supple tannins. Native yeast ferment in open casks; 2 years in scarcely toasted French oak, 80% new. Balance, concentration enhances good maturation potential.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2007, 4.5*

‘This has a terrific array of fruit--blueberry, raspberry and boysenberry - that's seamlessly put together with mocha, sweet toast and a tangy iron note. Then it all takes an encore on the lengthy finish. A very impressive display of fruit and minerality together. Syrah and Mourvèdre.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Aug 2007)

‘Very dense and warm minerals on the nose. Sweet and lively now but heaviness lurks beneath. 2004 was a relatively cool vintage. Fruit is still more primary.’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (Apr 2014)