2021 Paxton Queen of the Hive Red Blend

A elegant blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon & Mataro. Nose features strawberries, blood plums, orange peel & liquorice root. Palate is soft & mellow, poached rhubarb & Kakadu plum. harmonious, medium bodied, soft and juicy mouth feel with hints of cinnamon, plum & cherries finished with silky elegant tannins.

2021 was one of those dream vintages that don’t come along every year; cool, refreshing nights and dreamy, sun-kissed days without any extended stretches of intense heat. After a warmer than usual November there were only four days above 40 degrees. It was mainly dry throughout the ripening season with the odd spattering of just enough rain to keep the grapes beautifully plump, juicy and full of bright fruit flavours and time to dry out in between so disease pressure was low. The gentle undulation between these varying temperatures and perfectly healthy canopies allowed us to really ponder picking times, spending plenty of time out in the vineyard tasting grapes getting the timing of picking just right. The generous harvest has rewarded us with delightfully delicate fruit and varietal characters, with each variety singing its own tune. Natural acids are in perfect balance and the smooth, sensuous tannins completed by an epic energetic vibration that we can’t wait to share with you.