This very traditional Australian ‘Dry Red’ style has been part of Winemaker, Alex Head’s heart for many years and literally reminds me of home when I get it in the glass!

Bizarrely it was a chance conversation about Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon with Phil Lehmann which led Alex down a path of blending enlightenment. How do we make wine quality even better through the art of blending the two ‘hero’ varieties of the Barossa? Well, believe it or not, there is a trick and roughly you need to find the point at which they don’t fight each other! Lots of fine tuning… ;)

Certainly, this is the best value, most traditional and emotional Barossan style within the portfolio. Thank goodness we never gave up on Cabernet! 

RAINFALL: 321ml (April ̕19-March ̕20 avg. 471ml)

VINEYARD: Light Pass & Greenock at 280-320m elevation

(100% Barossa Valley)

VARIETAL: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Shiraz

VINE AGE: 30 years average

SOIL/ROCK: Sandy loam/river sand, red clay, bluestone &

ironstone

AVG. YIELD: 2.0t/a or 34hl/h

PRODUCTION: 1,000 cases

VINIFICATION: 2-5t open top, indigenous yeast, two week ferment,

hand-plunging & pumpover twice daily

MATURATION: On fine lees, 10% new French oak,

mix of 300L & 228L

BOTTLING: March ̕21, minimal So2

ACIDITY: 5.5g/l

Alc/Vol: 14.3%