2005 Cabernet Franc – Jack’s Lot Grown at 810 metres. This is the most distinctive varietal in our vineyard with the stony soils consistently producing excellent wines. The 2005 drop is immensely aromatic with violets, red currents and blueberries and subtle oak vanilla. An extended post ferment soak on skins has given the palate extra complexity and length, with oak tannins and spice integrated seamlessly into the whole.
2005 Shiraz – Mick’s Lot Grown at 760 metres.
An outstanding blood plum coloured cool climate Shiraz from our low yielding, high altitude vines. The wine has strong primary fruit aromatics and balanced vanilla characters from the French oak. Dark berries give a touch of spice and pepper to provide a palate of persistent, integrated tannins with a long finish. Will develop well with appropriate medium term cellaring.
2004 Cabernet Franc Merlot - Isabelle
Cabernet Franc, Ross Hill’s definitive variety, has been handpicked and traditionally fermented in open vats and blended with Merlot to produce mid palate softness and earthiness. The spicy and plumy Merlot flavours combine with spearmint elegance and chunky tannins, resulting in a delicious wine.
2003 Merlot Grown at 760 metres
The 2003 Merlot is a dense dark crimson colour with lifted soft mocha and plum aromas. The wine has rich mixed dried fruit flavours and follows through to a palate which reflects these characteristics combined with persistent tannins. This classic cool-climate merlot has been finished in new French oak and can be enjoyed over the next three to five years.
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Grown at 760 metres.
A great year for Cabernet. The long dry finish to the growing season gave this late ripening variety plenty of time to show its best. Mulberry and cool mint aromatics are backed up with a well textured mid-palate and a persistent fine grained tannin.
