Winecurrent publisher, Vic Harradine, has rated this wine 91 points. WINEMAKING NOTES: This Cabernet Shiraz blend is comprised of 50% Cabernet Franc, 37.5% Syrah both Estate grown, and 12.5% Cabernet Sauvignon from the neighbouring vineyard. The grapes were all harvested separately at optimum ripeness, crushed and destemmed into tank for fermentation. The wine was macerated for 28 days with pump-overs happening once or twice a day, depending on what stage the must was in. The wine was then pressed off to tank where it settled and was then transferred to barrel for the aging process. The wine was aged for 18 months in 25% new French oak and the remaining in neutral oak barrels. 100% Malo Lactic fermentation occurred during the early months of the barrel aging process. Once blending trials were completed and we were happy with the final blend the wine was then transferred out of barrel, filtered and bottled. TASTING NOTES: This Cabernet Shiraz has a beautiful bright deep ruby colour with a lighter ruby hue. This wine has a seductive nose of ripe black fruits lifting out of the glass. Cassis, brambleberry, new leather, vanilla and backing spices follow through. Those fruit characteristics are mirrored on the palate, black cherries, dates, cocoa, vanilla and black pepper are up front. This wine is a concentrated medium bodied blend with a textured mid palate. There are smooth layered tannins and a fresh balanced acidity to provide structure and focus all the way through to a medium long finish. FOOD PAIRINGS Braised Beef Short ribs, Cabernet Braised Venison; Grilled Ratatouille Tart