The Conte family have owned the Sand Rd property since 1965, but the old vine Shiraz block was planted circa 1880. These twisted and gnarly vines are one of, if not the oldest surviving Shiraz vines in McLaren Vale.

The ancient 5 acre vineyard is withstanding the test of time, with its flourishing foliage, low yielding, intensely flavoured crop. The fruit has gained complexity and depth of flavour from over 130 years of what has become a vast, elaborate root system.

Aromas of spiced fruit compote, black plum jam and fresh bakers yeast. This wine has earthy complexities, and a saturating moorish character, subtly held together by fine tannin.

Powerfully long and lingering, yet soft, elegant and round from start to finish, and will evolve majestically for many years.

Vinification
Handpicked, semi crushed and small batch open fermented for over 1 week. The wine was then matured in new and seasoned French oak barrels for 18 months to allow characters to integrate and soften.

Technical
Alcohol; 14.5%
Natural residual sugar; 0.9 g/L (dry)
Varieties; 100% Shiraz 
GI; McLaren Vale, South Australia

Availability; In Stock

Recent Accolades;

Wine Business Magazine – Sept 2023 

93 points, Mike Bennie – Maturity gives this wine some subtlety to texture. And influence of dried fruit and toasted nuttiness, some sweeter fruit characters kicking in, and a good dose of fruity spices lends some influence too. The wine is spreading beautifully and softly in the palate, tannins round and gentle. A seriosi tilt, and the richer end of Shiraz, but with age, a mellow and pleasing experience.