Shiraz Viognier 2001

The first in a long run of warm vintages – nine in a row.

7% Viognier; 305 whole bunches; three days pre-ferment maceration and then 9 to 13 days on skins; 12 months in oak with 1/3rd of that new, from Francois Freres, Sirugue and Bossuet. 14.1%. It was the last 'wet' year for a decade.

Received a 'Wine of the Year' award on release (there are plenty of these awards strewn around in Australia but that, in no way, diminishes the achievement) and looks just as good, if not better, now. Bright vibrant colours. A fresh, clean wine, wonderfully balanced. There are red jube-y notes and hints of raspberry coulee. A silky, persistent wine. Lingers in the mind like a rare sunset. Still has decades ahead of it.

Full ruby-red. Perfumed, ethereal aromas of violet, white pepper, dark cherry and apricot blossom laced with musky spices and supported by sweet chocolate and mocha oak notes. Ripe and sumptuous but elegant and finely balanced, with intense small berry and honeysuckle flavors and powder-fine tannins building on the long, lingering and meaty finish of exceptional persistence.