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 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 Burgundy 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 in small French oak barriques the “Eagle Series” has picked up many complex fine tannins integrated with superb Dalwhinnie hand picked fruit.

Colour: Extremely dark purple - black.

Bouquet: A heady mix of marinated Christmas cake fruits including ginger and orange rind. The nose is typical of the “Eagle Series” vineyard, showing the trademark musk stick and Chinese five spice.

Palate: Very “Rhone” like with a savoury mid-palate which is seamless right through to the finish. Acid and tannin play a fine supporting role in this monumental wine. The balance of this wine is impeccable, nothing out of place.

Winemaker’s comments: From its first release in 1986 this vineyard has always produced the goods. The wine at this stage of its development is a little shy but with decanting it will open up and display its enormous power and longevity. This wine is quickly becoming an international icon.
David Jones
Winemaker

Cellaring Potential: 10 years +