Barossa Valley Henry's Seven Shiraz Grenache Viognier

77% Shiraz, 11% Grenache, 10% Mataro, 2% Viognier. Deep ruby with violet hues. Lifted aromas of raspberry, red currant, mulberry and Satsuma plum, with floral notes of violets, lavender and crushed flowering herbs, and anise, pepper and mace spice. A rich and intense palate of well-defined concentrated red fruits; red currant, cut plum and spicy wild berries, is supported by fresh acidity, firm-edged velvety tannins and excellent length. The shiraz, grenache, mataro, viognier blend is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Keyneton in 1853. He quickly developed a reputation for producing the best wines in the southern colony. Following Henry’s death in 1868, his widow Sarah exercised her temperance convictions by closing the winery and uprooting all the wine grapes. This blend highlights the historical introduction of southern French and Spanish varieties to South Australia in those early pioneering days and reflects the history, religion and culture of the Barossa. From multiple vineyards across Eden Valley and Barossa Valley, the Barossa. Average winter rainfall was followed by minor frost events late in September and spring rains in early October. Budburst was even with good fruitfulness although heat bursts in late November affected fruit set. Strong winds in early December caused some damage to the canopies but the fruit remained disease free. January was mild and dry with a short heat wave late in the month at veraison, followed by rainfall in early February. The lead up to vintage and conditions during ripening remained cool, cloudy but dry. The fruit showing balanced acidity, excellent colour and great flavour development. Matured in 5% new and 95% seasoned French hogsheads for 10 months prior to blending and bottling. ABV 14.5%