Varietal 75% Shiraz, 15% Grenache, 8% Viognier, 2% Mourvedre Closure Screw Cap Size 750ml Alc/Vol 14.5% Enjoy Now - 2020 The 2008 vintage in the Eden Valley was preceded by an average rainfall and a mild and unusually frost-free spring with regular rainfall periods. Fine flowering weather meant good set despite the expectation that the previous drought year of 2007 would affect the yields. The vines also showed surprisingly vigorous growth. A dry and hotter than average early summer caused smaller berry and bunch size. The weather from Jan- Feb was the coolest in 30 years, allowing amazing development of fruit colour, flavour and maturity. Deep crimson in colour. Lifted aromas of blackberries, plums, anise and cedar with sage, pepper and mace notes. Sweet, ripe berry fruit flavours on a complex, layered palate of great depth and length. The Shiraz, Grenache, Viognier Mourvedre blend is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Keyneton in 1853. He quickly developed a reputation for producing the best wines in the southern colony. Following Henry’s death in 1868, his widow Sarah exercised her temperance convictions by closing the winery and uprooting all the wine grapes. This blend highlights the historical introduction of southern French and Spanish varieties to South Australia in those early pioneering days and reflects the history, religion and culture of the Barossa.   What the critics think       2007 - "It’s full of red berries and spice and various other things nice, and while it’s essentially a whole heap of fun, it does have a bit of class about it. Maybe it’s just the pure, polished texture of it; maybe it’s the aniseedy flavour; maybe it’s the meaty, savoury, grainy finish. Whatever it is, it’s mighty enjoyable". Rating; 90 points Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh - The Big Red Wine Book – 2009/2010