Schild Estate GMS, Barossa Valley, Australia

Decent amounts of replenishing winter and spring rain was followed by mild December and January temperatures. All of this ensured favourable ripening conditions, a measured pace to proceedings and later start to harvest than recently seen. As a result, the balanced development of sugar and flavours in the fruit along with the retention of natural grape acid were the order of the day and ensured the resulting red wines from the region in 2017 look layered and pretty.

Dark ruby, clear and bright in colour. Intense notes of dense yet bright red berry compote fruit sit alongside fainter hints of brambly winter hedgerows and Christmas cake spice. A controlled and smooth passage through the palate with a certain ripe fruit presence. The wine remains light on its feet with a real sense of prettiness to the palate which surprises given the intensity of the nose.

50% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre, 21% Shiraz