VINTAGE REPORT
The continuing drought required us to exercis e particular care in the vineyard. Without the help of Mother Nature, each variety in this Bordeaux-style blend was looked after by measured drip irrigation as well as canopy management to ensure that all the berries were fed the essential nutrients to fully bloom with the desired baume (sugar) levels, as well as the desired colours. Each variety was picked at differing times suited to their individual progress, from the petit verdot in early March to the cabernet sauvignon which was harvested early April.

WINEMAKING
This wine was destined for export, however with limited resources, we were unable to complete the project. This wine however was made with the American market in mind; and in 2003 the popular wine was fruity, not sweet
necessari ly, but needed some bright fruit. So, in addition to the 39% c abernet franc, we added a large proportion of cabernet franc (30%) as well as 16% shiraz, 9% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Each variety was fermented separately and matured in oak suited to its individual characters before blending in January 2004.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
alcohol 13.4%
pH 3.53
acid 6.0g/ l
residual sugar 2.1g/ l
 
AWARDS
Bronze – 2008 Mudgee Wine Show.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
This wine shows soft plum, cassis characters as well as the developed secondary qualities of leather with some earthiness. It has a backbone of typical cabernet tannins with strong fruit flavours of the cabernet franc, and plumped up by the soft shiraz.