Good rainfall from June to August replenished ground water, allowing the vines to begin their growing season with ample moisture. Spring was warm to mild with occasional rain events to keep moisture levels up to the growing vines. Summer and autumn were mild and dry which was ideal for long, slow ripening and achieving the perfect ripeness of flavour and natural acidity.
Grapes for The 175th Anniversary Release were selected from four main vineyards across the Barossa. The oldest parcel of Shiraz is gently handpicked from Eden Valley vines planted in 1854. This is joined by Barossa Valley Shiraz planted in 1901 and Eden Valley Shiraz planted in 1920. Eden Valley Shiraz provides the exotic aromatics and seamless palate structure, while Barossa Valley Shiraz provides richness, density and concentration. The Barossa Valley Grenache comes from Yalumba’s Tri-Centenary vineyard planted in 1889. The Grenache remained on skins for 235 day post-ferment maceration which imparts plush, silky texture. This celebratory Shiraz Grenache blend has an average vine age of 137 years. Centenarian vines 60%. Ancestor vines 40%.