We had above average winter rainfall and although we had a dry June, we recorded decent falls in July and August. Below average rainfall was recorded in spring, and we experienced some warm spring nights. Summer rain tally was also below average despite a wet December. McLaren Vale experienced warm a warm Autumn ripening period with low rainfall. Overall vintage in McLaren Vale produced wine of excellent quality and while total tonnages were down for the season, compared to a wet and fertile 2017, the reports from winemakers on wine quality has been almost universally positive.

We had a dry lead up to vintage with a couple of hot spikes, but as ever the well-oiled machine in the winery handled the grapes with their usual panache. I should mention the vineyard guys – the dream team of Joch and Spencer are pretty good at keeping our vineyards in top shape too. No change in the winemaking protocol for this wine; the same processes we have been using for the last 18 vintages. We pick the grapes when they are ripe, crush them and then ferment them in small vessels with twice daily pump overs (more colour and favour from the skins) followed by approximately 12 months in lovely French oak (30% new, give or take). We then bottle and let the wine mature before release.

• James Sucking

  This is an attractively composed style with ripe dark-berry aromas, nuanced with leafy, floral and earthy notes. The palate has a crisp feel with attractive blueberry flavours, gently chalky tannins and a neat, blue-fruit finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

  92 points

• The Real Review

   

  Deep and dark ruby core. A nose of black fruits, wood-spice and dry earth aromas. Good flow of fruit and spice across the palate, quite focused and driven, with firm but resolved tannins giving tension and persistence to the finish

  88 points

  Stuart Knox

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