South Australia’s viticultural regions experienced relatively dry conditions, and near long-term winter/spring temperatures during vine dormancy and at the beginning of the growing season. After a racing start, a short spell of cooler weather in early November slowed down grapevine development. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout most of spring, providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. Summer was warm, Barossa Valley experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C while McLaren Vale experienced 17 days of temperature greater than 35°C – with a maximum of 42.1°C on January 18th. Padthaway, Robe and Wrattonbully also had a warm, dry growing season by regional standards. Late flowering and the delayed onset of veraison throughout the south-east slowed harvest by a few weeks. The warm and dry weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes.

COLOUR Deep dark cherry-red NOSE Initially, plummy fruits meshed with sweet spices (predominantly cinnamon), almond. And then a pause to imbibe the aromatic atmospherics of a patisserie: Crème anglaise, cannoli with vanilla custard ... and classic bourbon vanilla at that! A croquembouche’s (profiterole) hazelnut brittle. Grated chocolate – both white and dark. Fresh, awakening. PALATE Medium-bodied. Raspberry/chocolate flavours with a sprinkling of spice and cola. Symptoms: Fleshy, and an almost glycerolic texture; bulbous/expansive palate profile. Diagnosis: Tannins – integrated/embedded – supportive, not standing apart. Oak – no obtrusive flavours to speak of ... yet all the benefits of a calm maturation is seasoned hogsheads. Acidity – in tune with the wine’s weight and structure. Cure: Rest in bottle for a year or two. Needs time.