The Vineyard: The Dalwhinnie “Eagle Series’ vineyard was first planted to Shiraz in 1977. The single vineyard is 1.21 hectares in size with the vines planted on a relatively wide 3.4 x 1.80 metre grid. The vines are dry grown on ancient sedimentary soils and bony quartz-shale outcrops. The unique aspect of this elevated vineyard at 385 metres above sea level coupled with meticulous hand picking and hand pruning produces the most distinguished grapes on the property.

Winemaking: The “Eagle Series” Shiraz has been made using traditional Rhône winemaking techniques incorporating foot crushing, whole bunch fermentation, extended skin contact and maximum lees contact. The wine is a super concentration of unique aromas and flavours only achieved using these non-conventional winemaking techniques. After 18 months maturation in small French oak barriques the “Eagle Series” has picked up complex fine tannins integrated with superb Dalwhinnie hand picked fruit.

Colour: Very dark brick-red.

Bouquet: An enticing nose of luscious dark bramble patch fruits, interwoven with damp autumn leaf mulch and musk stick perfume. There is also a hint of licorice.

Palate: The weight of the wine is full bodied with the fruit flavour profile fully ripe. The wine is also very rich on the palate with the concentrated shiraz flavour lasting for well over one minute in the mouth. The tannins have gradually softened over time to give this beautiful wine a long and graceful finish.

Winemaker’s comments: From the first release in 1986 this vineyard is truly a distinguished site. This wine was meant to be released in March 2008 but was not ready so the 2004 vintage was released before the 2003. We believe that by releasing this amazing wine with 6 years bottle age the wine has never looked better and will cellar for many years to come.

Cellaring Potential: 10+ years