Hand-harvested from the best two rows of the oldest shiraz vineyard available to this classy producer, the fruit from these old vines is treated with the respect it deserves. Wild yeast ferment and held on skins for 12 months in new French oak barrels, then pressed and aged for three months longer in yet more oak. This is not a shy wine, big, oaky, ripe and bright. There's a lot of potential for a very long life in the cellar but as a youthful wine there is still plenty on offer. Red fruits, supple tannin, vibrant acid and beautiful lingering spice through the finish, a good decant is recommended (but not compulsory). A special wine for a special occasion - serious McLaren Vale fans should NOT miss this chance.