James Gumpr opened and ran ‘Gumprs Hostelry’, adjacent to the Richard Hamilton McLaren Vale vineyards from 1851-1853. Renamed the Salopian Inn in 1854, (after a native of Shropshire UK) today it is a renowned restaurant under the same name. It is fitting the original owners are immortalized in wine, and especially Shiraz, the variety for which the McLaren Vale region is well known. Richard Hamilton is the fifth generation of his family to be involved in winemaking.

The soil type is sandy clay loam and black clay loam and the vines were planted between 1963 and 1998. The 2005 vintage was quite cool, but ripening was slightly earlier than on average across all varieties. Picked from vines of varying blocks and ages, backbone from vines of 20+ years. A small parcel of wine from 100+ year old vines has been blended. The grapes were picked between March 7 and 24, 2005 and the sugar level at picking was 13.6-14.8° Baume. The grapes were cropped at 3 tons per acre. An excellent year for fruit intensity, and deep dark colors. The wine was fermented to dryness on skins, allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation then matured in oak. The oak used was 4% new French, 30% new American, 29% one and two year old French and 37% one and two year old American oak for 20 months.

The color is a deep crimson with a ruby rim. A full ripe nose of intense plum and dark cherries complexed by fine oak. The palate is full bodied and mouthfilling with rich ripe up-front crushed raspberry and plum fruit flavors, white pepper and spice interwoven with hints of vanilla and chocolate leading to a creamy textured mid palate and a lovely long finish. This wine will continue to mature and develop for 8+ years. Serve with a red meat course or be a little adventurous and try it with a rare tuna steak and ratatouille.

Alcohol: 14%

pH: 3.50

TA: 7.12g/l

R/Sugar: 2.5g/l.