Blend
Touriga (41%), Tempranillo (34%), Shiraz (25%)

Season
The predominately warm and dry 2017/2018 growing season produced modest yields and grapes displaying fantastic colour and ripe tannins.

Viticulture
The late ripening Touriga is grown on deep volcanic loam near Wombat in the Hilltops. Tempranillo and Shiraz are grown on granitic loams in Murrumbateman, Canberra District.  Touriga, native to Portugal, has aromatic notes of violets and lavender, and a palate characterised by dark forest fruits and hints of chocolate.

Winemaking
The individual grape parcels were hand-harvested on different dates at around 13 Baumé. The batches were handled separately, with use of approximately 5% whole bunches during fermentation.  The separate parcels were then matured in a mix of Allier and Tronçais oak (approx. 10% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling in March 2019.

Taste
Floral and spic-edged aromas of violets, dark cherry and licorice flow to a palate of layered, fleshy tannins and a dry savoury finish.   A perfect match for pasta, pizza and slow-cooked meat dishes.