This comes off a single vineyard planted in 1853 and tasting it next to the ‘Baby Bush’ of the same vintage (a young vine version with cuttings taken from the Old Garden) really highlighted the intensity and concentration of flavour these old vines produce. The grapes from this vineyard are some of the last to be picked in the Barossa coming in this vintage in late May. This sees 100% new French oak and by any standard (worldwide) it’s a remarkable wine. If it were a Shiraz of the same pedigree then the price would most likely be (at least) double. Mourvèdre is a most noble and under-valued grape.

Deep and brooding with dark fruit, liquorice, roast nuts. plenty of spicy mocha oak and smelling of the warm earth in which it was grown. On the palate rich and full bodied with black fruit, nuts, leather, dark chocolate and spice flavours - all distinctly adult and savoury although there is no shortage of ripe sweet fruit so it’s not without a softer side. The tannins are ripe and plentiful but not intrusive and the finish is gloriously long. It’s a complete wine - magnificent and distinctive.

Other vintages : 2005, 2004

Rated : 95 Points
Tasted : Feb08
Alcohol : 14.5%
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2012 - 2020+