Planted by Thomas Hardy in 1891, it's the last remaining 2.54 hectare vineyard block of Ancestor Vines producing incredible fruit. As we walked through the vines, Henry pointed to a tree on the next ridge, highlighting the place where Thomas Hardy was buried. This land is steeped in history.
A tonne of fruit was handpicked from 17 rows. Destemmed, it was plunged three times a day before being transferred to French oak hogsheads (22% new) for 18 months.
Rich and curvaceous blackberries steal the limelight with dark chocolate and licroice bullets playing a neat supporting role. The more air it breathes the more it displays some violet and crushed purple petal aromas. Dried herbs and black earth tuck in behind with a neat woodsy and fruit bun spice hum building moreishness. A classy, immaculate Shiraz, this showcases the proud history of Australian Shiraz one sip at a time. Brilliant!
97/100
Region: McLaren Vale
