1999 CHARDONNAY

A perfect growing season and vintage has provided a wine of significant depth. The 1999 Chardonnay continues the theme established by the 1996, and in our opinion, surpasses it both in terms of intensity and complexity. In a glass, the wine looks rich and enticing. The vibrant glow of white gold and green suggests richness. Hazelnuts, oatmeal, fig and white peach meld with the oak and "dirt" to provide an intoxicating aroma. Creamy and intense with lingering spicy oak, the core flavours of white peach and oatmeal build and build on the palate. As is the custom, the oak character is perceptible at this stage, however the sheer explosive intensity of the wine will in time ensure complete harmony.

2000 CHARDONNAY

Straw gold and brilliant flashes of green. Exotic, stunning and hedonistic elements rise from the glass; meal, hazelnuts, �dirt�, white peach and nectarine brushed with delicious spicy, savoury oak. Take your time and allow your olfactory senses to indulge in this unbelievably complex aromatic elixir.

A texturally rich entry that melts like warm butter cream in the mouth. Stone fruits, meal, roasted nuts flit in and out with a myriad of other flavours that words simply cannot do justice to. Concentrated, powerful but neither heavy nor cloying. Oak is judged to perfection and the taut spine of acid and mineral notes teases the flavours to the back of the palate.

2001 CHARDONNAY

The 2001 has all the hallmarks of another fine Giaconda Chardonnay. Year in year out the consistency of this wine continues to amaze me. Once again the craftsmanship of Rick Kinzbrunner is clearly evident. It looks and smells like a wine of depth and complexity: straw gold with flashes of green; on the bouquet grilled nuts, the customary 'dirt', stone fruit, wheat and spicy notes from the oak herald a wine of breeding.

The palate is certainly grand with intensity and power encased in a tight frame of acidity. Lingering mineral notes remind me of the 1992 Chardonnay. Oak plays a supporting role but the sheer depth of fruit swarms all over the oak. As with past vintages, the palate is a combination of wheat, spice and stonefruits wrapped in a creamy texture. The synergy between vineyard and the maker is clearly evident. Another superb Giaconda Chardonnay.

2002 CHARDONNAY

Mature vines, many now 20 years old, a stellar vintage and even more focused wine making have conspired to produce the most compelling Giaconda chardonnay to date. The 2002 vintage conditions produced grapes with intense flavours and extraordinarily balanced acidity.

Straw gold with a strong green tinge - plenty of depth in the colour.

Evolving complexity with a rollercoaster of aromas: grapefruit, nectarine, initially cashews and as it opens, meal, hazelnuts, spicy oak notes and a tincture of Giaconda funky dirt rising through the fruit. The more you explore the bouquet the more that is revealed and the harder it is to describe.

Amazing concentration is the first impression, rich, tight and long. The palate is creamy textured and the myriad of complex flavours are precisely layered to maintain fluency. Tingling acidity and spicy oak notes provide the pillars that support the powerful grapefruit and nectarine fruit. The wild funky notes are discretely hiding in the background.

As for the future, the 2002 chardonnay will stride past 10 years without raising a single bead of sweat.

When I first scribbled my notes I simply wrote: In keeping with the bouquet, too powerful, too complex and too interwoven to pull apart and describe. Perhaps it's best left to the imagination and senses of those who love Giaconda chardonnay to tell their own story.

2004 CHARDONNAY

Racy yet very textural. Powerful nose with an interesting combination of fruit and mineral whilst the palate has extreme impact and focus. Signature Giaconda flavours of meal and hazelnut, great length and balance. This is all about concentration with great finesse. Don't miss this as it should turn out to be a real classic.

2005 CHARDONNAY

A great follow on to '04, extremely lifted nose with powerful fruit balancing the mineral and meal characters. A classically rich palate, has great focus with the minerality keeping the wine fine and drawing it out. This should develop into one of our great chardonnays as the '05 vintage produced fruit of extraordinary quality. In fact I haven't felt as confident about the chardonnay since the 1996.

2006 ESTATE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY

The nose is typically Giaconda, minerals, meal, hazelnuts and matchstick with underlying aromatic fruit lift. The power in the nose follows through to the palate, showing richness and complexity, moving to an intense texture and lingering minerality on the finish. This is in the powerful end of the spectrum, although it still retains a tight racy backbone.

2007 ESTATE & NANTUA VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY

This is the only white wine that will be released from the 2007 vintage. Due to the limited quantities produced we have decided to blend the Chardonnay from the Estate Vineyard and Nantua Vineyard together with the Aeolia (Roussanne). It is 89% Chardonnay and 11% Roussanne

Interesting aromas of meal, melon and matchstick with underlying hints of jasmine from the small Roussanne component. Generous fruit on the palate, however still tight with a backbone of minerality and balancing acidity. Long stylish finish with the ability to develop complexity in the classic Giaconda style. (Bottled with screwcap closures).

2008 ESTATE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY

The nose has typical Giaconda characters � hints of meal; matchstick and minerals with overtones of toasty oak. The 2008 while slightly more refined and elegant (due to earlier picking in cooler conditions) combines all the best aspects of the 04; 05 and 06 vintages and still maintains the length and power on the finish which is a Giaconda hallmark. This could be the most refined Giaconda Chardonnay for years, but still embodies the usual drive and power..

1999 PINOT NOIR

An unseasonably late frost in October 1998 reduced the eventual 1999 crop. Fortunately the quality has not diminished. If anything, this wine continues to show the growing development of Giaconda pinot noir.

Crimson red in colour; it displays a highly perfumed aroma of sweet spice, strawberry through to red cherry fruit and forest undergrowth. The palate is vibrant and harmonious. It has a round texture, a core of pure pinot fruit, fine tannins and spicy oak notes emerging in the background. A most impressive element is the length. Complex and exotic, this wine provides an explosive impact on the back palate. Powerful, full throttled but definitely in the Giaconda mould of refined elegance.

2000 PINOT NOIR

Deep crimson red; complex, accentuated elements of undergrowth, briar, red cherries and plums. Silky, sweet fruit attack with a racy acid and fine grain tannin backbone. Ethereal but more weighty than previous vintages. The earthy tannins and spicy oak (deftly judged) provide a delightful counterpoint to the plump fruit. In time this will develop the undergrowth characters synonymous with complex sensual pinot noir. Delightful now but time will allow the full majesty of the wine to show through.

2001 PINOT NOIR

Deep crimson red. Much more colour this year. Hedonistic aromas of damp undergrowth, rose petals, briar and suede leather. Slightly tart plum fruit falls in behind the fine fruit and oak tannins that balance the sweet fruit. Earthy fine tannins really make this wine complete. The palate is silky, textural and complex, culminating in an explosive amalgam of flavours on the back palate. You can barely see the oak, seemingly drowned in an ocean of fruit. This wine has the intensity and structure to age well over the next 10 years. At last, a pinot for Rick to smile about!

2002 PINOT NOIR

Deeply coloured - black plum. Highly aromatic, almost overpowering in a hedonistic pinot noir way. Black cherry, raspberry, briar, and as the wine opens up, damp rose petals. A profound aroma. The intensity, depth of flavour and structure are the key elements of this wine. Sweet raspberries, rose petals and spicy oak notes are added to the fine persistent tannins and integrated acid that weaves through the palate. Such is the depth of flavour and sheer fruit intensity that the wine demands such a powerful tannin impact to balance the fruit and provide a savoury text, thereby avoiding the development of sweet soapy characters in the future. Brooding. multifaceted and age worthy.

2004 PINOT NOIR

Colour is quite dense this year. Wild and exotic nose of dark fruits, sweet spice and undergrowth. Very rich silky palate yet with great backbone, strong tannin with balancing acidity. In my opinion this is the best Pinot we have made yet, very Burgundian in all aspects.

2005 PINOT NOIR

Vibrant medium dense ruby colour, powerful nose of spice and rose petals with undergrowth starting to emerge. At this stage the palate is taut and nervy, but underlying density will eventually flesh out. This high portion of Nantua vineyard fruit in this wine gives lovely backbone tannin and acidity.

2006 NANTUA VINEYARD PINOT NOIR

Fragrant nose; black fruits and sappy pinot gamey characters. Fresh, clean and pure. Firm palate structure, spicy flavours with balancing tannins and acidity. A multi layered palate, powerful and structured, but still light on its feet. Great backbone, abundant firm but fine tannins. This seems to have the potential to be one of our best pinots for some years.

2007 YARRA VALLEY PINOT NOIR

Made at Giaconda from Pinot Noir fruit sourced in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.
Powerful nose of black fruits and undergrowth. The palate is rich; long with savoury spicy flavours; sweet fruit and some obvious minerality. This is concentrated and structured; balanced with a subtle but obvious tannin finish.
Try this one for our version of Yarra Valley pinot.

2008 Yarra Valley & Beechworth Pinot Noir

A lifted scented nose of cherries and rose petals with fungal undertones. A rich powerful palate; sweet cherry fruit; exotic spices and lovely balancing tannins. This would be ideal with Peking duck. Combining the fruit of the Yarra Valley with the briar characters of Beechworth. This has all the flavours Pinot drinkers are seeking.

2000 AEOLIA

"Wine doesn't get more sensual than this"

Straw gold with a tinge of green; baked peach, honey blossom, hazelnuts and quince combine to create a delicious elixir. The palate is rich, round, complex yet subtle. Baked apple and peach, stewed quince, wild flower, honey and cinnamon flavours are supported by gentle oak and cleansing acidity that draws out the palate.

2001 AEOLIA

With the second release of Aeolia (100% Roussanne), Rick Kinzbrunner has lifted the stakes a little higher. More deft oak handling combined with concentrated fruit have delivered an impressive wine that will age gracefully over the next five to eight years.

Deep golden in colour with exotic flavours of apricots, honey blossom with a hint of vanilla bean and butterscotch. The palate is explosive, concentrated and long. Although richer and more viscous than the 2000, the 2001 Aeolia still has a spine of acid and integrated new and older French oak that draws the flavours. Roussanne's nobility shines through - the ability to produce rich wine without being fat and oily. This is the signature of Giaconda Aeolia.

2002 AEOLIA

A golden hue with green tinges. Reserved at first but as it opens notes of honeysuckle, vanilla bean and a whisker of dirt rise. And then they seem to combine into a delicious creme brulee aroma.

The palate is unctuous but not oily. Oak and acidity play a key role in not allowing the fruit to blow out. Lingering on the back palate are notes of honeysuckle, vanilla, apricot, pear and touch of spicy oak. Textured, focused and crafted so that its power and complexity extends rather than falls away after entry. Long after the wine is swallowed the flavours are still dancing on the taste buds. The more you taste the wine the more that is revealed. A sophisticated wine that is true to the nobility of roussanne.

2003 AEOLIA

Tremendous complexity - apricot, honeysuckle, lime blossom, vanilla bean, orange spice scented oak notes and a whisker of funky matchstick for good measure.

The palate is rich, long, and harmonious with just the perfect amount of "fat" on the body. Once again the oak is acting here as a savoury additive and has been used with great care. Glorious endnotes of citrus and minerals (almost like small pebbles) that offer a tingling sensation whilst pulling the palate longer. It is hard to believe given the myriad of aromas that flow from the wine that it could be outdone by palate. This is truly a great wine.

2004 AEOLIA

Touch of spice, honey, and herbs; a touch of French garrigue. Merging to rich and complex fruit with exotic perfumed flavours of hazel and cashew nuts. Impressive mouth filling flavours of tropical fruits, pears with mineral undertones. Creamy, lush, long finish with balanced acidity. Our most complex Roussanne to date

2005 AEOLIA

The 2005 Aeolia is 100% Roussanne from the Nantua and Warner vineyards and is totally barrel fermented, with about 15% new oak. This is the sixth vintage of Aeolia and probably our best yet, due to the vintage conditions. It will go the distance. A complex nose, spice, honeydew and herbs. Rich and exotic perfumed flavours with hazel and cashew nuts. Very focused finish, tropical fruits, pears, and a long lush texture, with mineral undertones and an impressive backbone of acidity. Bottled with screwcap closures.

2006 AEOLIA

2006 Aeolia is 100% Roussanne from the Nantua and Warner vineyards and is totally barrel fermented with about 15% new oak:- The nose is exotic, lush and spicy. Rich perfumed flavours with hazel and cashew nuts, typical of Rousanne. Very long finish, tropical fruits and a touch of apricot, with a creamy mouth filling texture, mineral flavours and a balancing acidity. Bottled with screwcap closures.

2008 AEOLIA

2008 Aeolia is 100% Roussanne from the Nantua and Warner vineyards and is totally barrel fermented with about 10% new oak:- The nose is exotic, lush and spicy. Rich perfumed flavours with hazel and cashew nuts, typical of Rousanne. Very long finish, tropical fruits and a touch of apricot, with a creamy mouth filling texture, mineral flavours and a balancing acidity. Bottled with screwcap closures.

2000 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

Roussanne's exotic flavours lift the racy tight character of Beechworth Chardonnay, immediately appealing and eminently drinkable. It should, nevertheless, age well over the next 5-8 years.

Rick's dirt, meal and funky signature is all over the Les Deux. Hazelnuts, white peach and honey blossom linger in the background. Cutting edge wine making at its best. The palate is powerful and richly textured. The Roussanne pushes out the mid palate, yet the finish is mineral and tight A touch of oak shows through at this stage, but will quickly settle down over the next 6 months.

2001 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

The 2001 'Les Deux'(85% Chardonnay & 15% Roussanne) has many of the hallmarks of Giaconda chardonnay at a fraction of the cost. The overall impression is that of a complex wine with a creamy texture, integrated oak and slightly more primary fruit flavours than the chardonnay.

Similar to the 2000 vintage, but definitely more refined, all the elements of complexity are present. Stone fruits, grilled nuts, dirt and honey blossom from the Roussanne. This wine is rich and luscious, yet it somehow manages to remain focused and tight.

The chardonnay provides the foundation with the taut stone fruit and mineral notes. Succulent flavours of apricot and honey blossom enhance the mid palate and provide a twist.

There would seem to be no doubt that although it can be consumed young, it should have excellent ageing potential

2002 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

Pale straw gold in colour. The bouquet delivers a complex sensory equation of white peach, honey suckle, flashes of dirt and matchstick, orange marmalade and a whiff of vanilla bean..

Rich, creamy with a rollicking sensation as the myriad of flavours flow to the back of the palate. It is difficult to describe. As one flavour emerges another seems to rise up and gently tumble over the former. The palate is smooth, refined and beautifully crafted: stone fruits, a hint of mineral, honey suckle, spicy oak notes, soft poached pears, a touch of toasty oak and bit of funk. Oak and acid are integrated and provide a strong influence in ensuring the intense flavours are delivered to every corner of the mouth. Exciting, complex and irresistible.

2003 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

Cashew, peach, honeysuckle, spicy oak notes almost like orange zest and a spiralling aroma of " funky dirt". .

The palate has a satin texture with the oak showing its impact purely as a spicy seasoning. Stone fruits dominate the palate with the weightier tones of the Roussanne sitting in the background. There the Roussanne makes its presence felt in a more subtle manner adding textural weight whilst the Chardonnay component ensures the wine is fleet of foot. Appealing is its freshness and the complex reduced lees characters that gives greater dimension and interest to the wine. Although a more vibrant and zesty model than its predecessors, it still has the signature of Nantua 'Les Deux'..

2004 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

Characteristic Giaconda Chardonnay nose; with aromas of oatmeal, hazelnuts, and Bugundian matchstick sulphides at first. Then to add to the complexity of the Rhone influence of the 7% Roussanne component. This creates a big impact on the palate; complex, long, with all of the above characters and flavours giving a rich and powerful clean finish..

2005 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

A blend of 93% Chardonnay and 7% Roussanne from the Nantua and Warner vineyards, again totally barrel fermented with about 30% new oak. It is also very impressive and by comparison to the Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, excellent value. Originally the blend was 85% Chardonnay 15% Roussanne. As the Chardonnay vines have aged, we have reduced the amount of Roussanne without changing the style: - Characteristic Giaconda Chardonnay nose, oatmeal, hazelnuts, matchstick and sulphides. Fresh and clean on the palate with rich Chardonnay fruit and the influence of Roussanne. Excellent finish, long, creamy texture with oak, minerals and acidity all adding to the complexity and satisfaction. Bottled with screwcap closures.

2006 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

2006 Nantua �Les Deux�, a blend of 93% Chardonnay and 7% Roussanne from the Nantua and Warner vineyards, again totally barrel fermented with about 30% new oak. The Nantua is made exactly the same as Giaconda Chardonnay, just less oak maturation:- Similar nose to Giaconda Chardonnay, oatmeal, hazelnuts, matchstick and sulphides. Bigger this year with rich Chardonnay fruit and the slight influence of Roussanne. Mouth filling finish, long, velvet texture with oak, minerals and a touch of citric acidity all adding to the complexity and length. Bottled with screwcap closures.

2008 NANTUA 'LES DEUX'

2008 Nantua �Les Deux�, is a blend of 93% Chardonnay and 7% Roussanne from the Giaconda, Nantua and Warner vineyards, again totally barrel fermented with about 30% new oak. Nantua is made using exactly the same method as Giaconda Chardonnay, just less oak maturation:- The nose is similar to Giaconda Chardonnay, oatmeal, hazelnuts, matchstick with hints of jasmine . Perfectly balanced fruit, oak and acidity, pure texture on the palate, clean, rich and lingering. Good to drink now, with or without food and at least 3-4 years aging potential. Bottled with screwcap closures.

1998 CABERNET

1998 was another good year for the cabernet. It has ripe black cherry and black currant fruit with a sweet vanilla bean and cedar overlay from the oak. The palate is similar; the core of black fruits are tightly encased by the savoury, powder dry tannins and racy acidity. If it is to be compared with others, it is reminiscent of a cabernet grown in the Tuscan hills. Full to medium bodied in weight, it will grow in stature over the years. The flavours linger on the back palate for a considerable time to give a cerebral wine rather than a block buster.

1999 CABERNET

The use of thin stave Bordeaux "Chateau" barriques has enabled Giaconda to reduce the time the cabernet spends in barrel. This practice has actually enhanced the quality of the cabernet by allowing it to be bottled in a fresher state. Now for the bad news: Like the pinot noir, the cabernet fell victim to the ravages of the 1998 October frosts and only a small quantity of wines was made in 1999.

The colour is dense black with crimson edges. Black currants, violets and hints of suede mingle with the vanilla bean and cedar characters. A brooding and powerful wine. Tasting the wine takes the senses into another realm. Intense, powerful and complex, it nevertheless retains a sense of refinement. As with the 1998, the fine savoury rolling tannins and gentle overlay of vanillin oak help frame the black fruits. Full bodied yet elegant, the 1999 Cabernet is without question Giaconda's most compelling and complex offering to date.

2000 CABERNET

Deep crimson red; violets, vanilla, black currants, cedar and crushed cabernet leaf. Truly varietal. The palate is very fine with savoury, earthy flavours and black fruits encased in cedary oak, fine grain, grippy tannins push the fruit. Beautifully structured; the oak is judiciously used. Balanced, elegant yet deceptively long and flavoursome. Very much in keeping with the 1999 Cabernet. Cerebral.

2001 CABERNET

Plum red hues; red berries, earth, vanilla bean, cedar and violets - intoxicating. The palate is sensual: sweet plum fruit, hints of vanilla, pungent wafts of violets, the slightest suggestion of toasty oak at the end, and Rick Kinzbrunner's fine lingering tannin signature. It is hard to imagine this as an Australian Cabernet. It is more akin to a cross between a Margaux and a Pomerol. It has the femininity of Margaux and the gloriously ripe plum fruit of Pomerol. This wine addresses the issues of fruit, tannin, oak and acid balance with considerable aplomb. Intense and sophisticated. Clearly the most distinguished and cerebral Cabernet to date from Giaconda.

2002 CABERNET

There is a little more of everything in the 2002 cabernet. Once again the hard work in the vineyard is paying dividends. Deep crimson leading to magenta. Black currents, violets, mulberries, cedar, leaf, bitumen and earth. Quintessential cabernet and truly varietal. More muscular than past wines, the powerful ripe tannin spine has plenty of flesh to support. Mouth filling black fruits assault the senses with support from violets, cedar, bitumen, tobacco leaf, chocolate and the underlying tannin and acid. Without doubt the biggest, blackest and most powerful cabernet to date. A wine to cellar for at least 15 years. A giant, well groomed in a tuxedo.

2003 CABERNET

Nose of cedar and soft black fruits. Obvious Cabernet, but the Merlot and Cabernet Franc portion gives a softer fruit overlay. Palate is extremely rich, quite soft but very long with supple acidity, powerful tannins and a touch of toasty oak. Classic Giaconda Cabernet.

2004 CABERNET

Totally classic Cabernet.
Nose has powerful notes of cedar with hints of Cabernet leaf - though not at all in the green spectrum. Very tight structure with gripping tannin is a feature of the palate. This is a real thoroughbred - long and composed. Although it will be somewhat approachable when young due to its impeccable balance, this one will easily go the long haul.

2005 CABERNET

Hints of cabernet leaf and cedar with underlying rich fruit. This carries through to the palate, but the softness of the merlot and cabernet franc is obvious here. Fleshy long with still apparent tannin and acidity. This should be another classic Giaconda cabernet.

2006 CABERNET

Highly definitive cabernet nose, cabernet leaf and cedar. The palate is incredibly complete with rich fruit sweetness followed by powerful cutting tannins. Merlot and cabernet franc are a little less obvious this year, though hints of their softness and sweet fruit sit in the background. Recommended for serious cabernet lovers.

1999 'WARNER VINEYARD' SHIRAZ

This is the first release of Giaconda 'Warner Vineyard' shiraz, grown specifically for us by our neighbour Graeme Warner.

Deep crimson red going to magenta. Plum, prune, licorice, roasted meats, white pepper and spice provide a most complex aroma. The palate has plenty of flavour and considerable length. Rolling powder fine tannins combine with the acidity to carry the black fruits, leather, licorice and white pepper flavours. Remarkable length and weight for a wine from young vines, this will develop over the next five years into a most elegant and satisfying wine.

Neither one dimensionally cool climate, nor bold or extractive in style, Giaconda Warner Vineyard shiraz will in time add another dimension to the list of quality Australian shiraz.

2000 �WARNER VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

Black, though not inky, with flashes of magenta. A heady compote of spice, vanilla bean, violets, tobacco, sweet black plums, savoury oak with a twist or two of pepper. And so too on the palate. What you smell is what you taste. Sumptuous and yet refined, leaving a strong impression of sympathetic winemaking.

This wine has a delicious round texture with fine drying tannins that roll all the way to the back of the palate. Oak and acid play their role whilst the fruit remains the dominant feature. Powerful, intense, but deftly harnessed so that no one aspect is allowed to dominate. Undoubtedly the addition of 1½% Roussanne has added a further dimension to the aromatic appeal of this wine.

2001 �WARNER VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

Deeply coloured magenta hues: roasted meats, black olives, vanilla bean, twists of black pepper and spice and cedary oak notes. The palate is rich, rolling and full: A mirror image of the bouquet. Fine powdery tannins work their way through the wine's mid palate carrying the sweet, black, spicy fruit. The finish is dry, the tannins doing their best work at the end of the wine as a counter - balance to the rich fruit. A glorious wine, packed with flavour, and built around a structure that allows the wine to dance on the palate, rather than trudge along stomping its feet. Deft and savoury.

2002 �WARNER VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

As long as the vintages remain kind you can expect to see a continual upward progression with the Warner vineyard shiraz. Graeme Warner's tireless efforts in the vineyard have the vines working efficiently so that the fruit is fully ripe without excessively high alcohol. The wine has more complexity, power and finesse than the 2001. A combination of high maintenance viticulture and intelligent wine making. Deeply coloured almost black, blackberries, earthy characters, roasted meats, a bit of reduction in the background and a lick of vanilla, black pepper and a seductive flinty graphite-like aroma. Amazingly different!

The palate has tremendous richness, but the tensile graphite-like structure keeps the wine focused. Like the bouquet, the palate is an explosion of flavours, blackberries, leather, spices, vanilla, a snippet of toasty oak, black pepper as a seasoning all fluently pulled together by the fine grained tannins and cleansing acidity.

There is little doubt Rick has headed off in a direction of his own with the desire to pursue intensity and graphite-like characters that are the hallmark of truly great Cote Roties. It's not about overtly peppery characters - it's all about refined power with a subtext of succulent fruit held in check. An incredibly fine savoury tannin profile. Ripeness without sweetness is the goal.

2004 �WARNER VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

The 2004 vintage was an exceptional year for reds; dry, cool weather produced wines that delivered power, finesse and complexity at much lower alcohol levels. In short, ripeness without sweetness, power without the heavy cloying hand of overripe fruit and alcohol. Warner Vineyard Shiraz is, in my opinion, the outstanding red wine of the vintage. Superior in every way to those trail blazing shirazes from 2001 and 2002. This wine breaks new ground,

Colour :
Deep, intense, vibrant with magenta to black hue.

Bouquet :
Brooding; aromas of black cherry. Sechzuan pepper, spices, smoked meats, briary forest floor notes and graphite erupt from the glass. Aromatically stunning.

Palate :
Powerful and savoury; tightly coiled with fine savoury tannins and acidity working in with the graphite characters to produce a tensile wine. An explosion of flavours at the end; black cherry, pepper, smoked meats and briar notes concluding with a lone dry savoury finish.

"A wine to age, a wine to savour, a wine that will lift the bar - power, complexity and elegance achieved with an alcohol level of 13.5% "     Doug Neal

2005 �WARNER VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

Wildly exotic nose of brambles, graphite, bacon and charcuterie. So much is happening now with this wine, spicy, earthy with a touch of anise. Incredibly powerful but still retaining a wonderful delicacy. It all comes together with a tight, dry, long balanced finish. This is the style of shiraz that I'm aiming for and a further progression in our goals for Warner vineyard. My recent tastings confirm this will be something very special.

2006 �WARNER VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

Very Rhone-like nose, exhibiting what seems to be evolving as our signature nose of charcuterie, graphite and brambles. This has real depth of aroma. Fine palate, fresh spicy rich shiraz fruit characters. Underlying power and flavour, finishing with balanced firm, fine tannins. Properly stored this should last for decades.

2008 �WARNER VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

Deep nose; violets and charcuterie in the now established style of 05 and 06; concentrated; intense; long and powerful. Lively with obvious firm tannins. This vineyard continues to impress with the depth and complexity of the fruit. It will benefit greatly from cellaring. The Warner continues to attract great reviews

2008 �ESTATE VINEYARD� SHIRAZ

The nose is wild; brambles and game with violet undertones. Concentrated lush mouth filling palate. Hints of roasted coffee. This powerful wine finishes with assertive tannins. Very much in the Rhone style. This is the first release from our Estate Vineyard amphitheatre block. After several small crops in previous years we now feel the vineyard is producing top quality fruit and can produce a stand alone wine.