It is a massive truism, but really, every vintage is different. Vintage 2012 was condensed into about 8 weeks from go to whoa which meant we had finished crushing all grapes by the end of March. Generally this feat would only be accomplished by the middle to end of April. Yields across all varieties were considerably down on average (from 15-40% in some varieties), but quality is looking very promising for both reds and whites. We had cool conditions up until the end of February then some rain, which did not affect things too much (see vintage 2011)as the whites were already picked and safely in the winery, and reds were unaffected. Joch’s prediction that 2012 will be a great red wine year is definitely holding up.

"Scarce Earth is a McLaren Vale initiative exploring and celebrating the geological climatic and soil diversity of the region. All wines come from a single block, a small plot of land with a unique flavour profile and personality."  

The 2012 Braden’s Shiraz is made using grapes from our Braden’s Vineyard. It has been hand-made, hand bottled and is unfiltered. The wine was open fermented and then matured in five year old French oak to allow the expression of the vineyard in its purest form.

Soil Type:          Bay of Biscay

Geology:           Christies Beach Formation, Quaternary period.

Elevation:          90 metres

Vine Age:          40 years

Vine clone:        Unknown, thought to be a Reynell selection

Volume:              59 dozen

• Halliday 2016 Wine Companion

  Such clever winemaking: made without any oak contact, yet complete and satisfying - and throwing all the emphasis on terroir with its pure damson plum, blackberry and dark chocolate amalgam; ripe tannins provide a softly, softly finish.

  94 points

• Lisa Perrotti-Brown eRobertParker.com # 220 August 2015

  Deep garnet-purple, the 2012 Scarce Earth Bradens Single Vineyard Shiraz has aromas of crushed blackberries, mulberries and black plums with baking spices, chocolate box and tar hints. Full bodied and rich, it has a very soft and velvety palate that finishes opulent and long. 

  92+ points

• Huone Hooke

  Very deep, dark red/purple colour, with a dense, smoky/oaky bouquet and a trace of acetone. It has a rich and fleshy flavour which summons blueberry, blackberry and spice. The palate has density and fleshy extract galore. A sumptuous wine. The tannins are abundant and smooth and run the full length of the palate. Excellent style of big red.

  93 Points

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