This wine is the first Barossa Shiraz to be included in The Ravensvale Group Portfolio. It is my own label and those who know me will have no hesitation in thinking the name is perfect. I wanted a full blown Barossa Shiraz that exemplified this famous Australian wine region. Only four barrels of the 2004 have been produced. The fruit is from a well respected grower in the picturesque area of Krondoff. The vineyard is located at Krondoff with red schiste soil containing significant deposits of mica - very much like Cote Rotie. The vines are 14 years old from an old unidentified Barossa clone. This Barossa sub region is renowned for growing some of the valley’s most prestigious Shiraz. The 2004 vintage was a good even vintage with some welcome Spring rains and then a long warm ripening period. The yield from this particular patch was a little above average at nearly two tons to the acre but the quality of the fruit was outstanding - small berries with strong color and concentrated flavors. The vineyard was handpicked on March 27 at 15 baume. The fruit was fermented in open vats and then matured for 18 months, mostly in new French oak hogsheads with some second use American and French barrels to add complexity.

The color is a deep crimson bordering on black with a purple rim. The full blown bouquet exudes lovely fresh spicy blackberry and mulberry fruit aromas with undertones of pepper and cedary oak. This wine is showing all the hallmarks of a great Barossa Shiraz. It is rich to the point of opulent with silky tannins with an irresistible mouthfeel and a finish with great length. While the oak influence is strong, it is supported by fruit of great strength and power – it is heady with black cherry, dark plums, sweet juicy mulberries and the typical Barossa dark chocolate overtones. This wine will reward with cellaring of 8 to 10 years. A perfect wine to serve alongside a rich hearty meat dish.

Alcohol: 15.5%

pH: 3.53

TA: 6.0g/l

R/Sugar: 0.2g/l

Cases Produced: 130

90-92 believe this is the first Barossa Shiraz imported by Ravensvale. It is an impressive effort from a vineyard planted in the red schist soils of Krondoff. Aromas of juicy black currants interwoven with smoky bacon fat, plums, and violets emerge from this elegant, medium to full-bodied, rich Shiraz. If it gets into the bottle in this shape, it will be an outstanding example of Barossa Shiraz. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Robert Parker Jr. - Wine Advocate

90 Deep ruby. Expansive, sexy bouquet runs the range of red and dark berry fruits, with pungent oak spices and cracked pepper adding complexity. Surprising for its interplay of bright and ripe tones, displaying energetic blackberry and cassis flavors, suave vanillin oak, a fleshy texture and gentle tannins. Bitter chocolate and candied licorice notes appear on the long, sweet and vibrant finish. Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

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