2023 Dry Red Wine No. 2 is a beautifully layered and complex blend led by Shiraz, with small additions of Marsanne, Mataro and Viognier adding further nuance and aromatic lift. Drawn from some of the estate’s oldest vineyards, including the original 1969 Shiraz and Marsanne plantings alongside Mataro and Viognier vines planted between 1984 and 1995, the wine is a benchmark expression of refined cool-climate Australian Shiraz.

The bouquet is deeply perfumed and expressive, revealing violets, cranberry, plum and bramble alongside fragrant five spice aromatics. Medium-bodied yet intensely flavoured, the palate unfolds with layers of dark and red berry fruits reminiscent of summer pudding, framed by notes of cigar box, cardamom and savoury spice. Fine yet firm tannins provide structure and length, while the interplay between fruit sweetness and savoury complexity creates remarkable balance and intrigue.

Fruit is hand harvested, chilled overnight and carefully sorted before being destemmed into small half-tonne open fermenters. Whole berries are retained wherever possible to preserve perfume and freshness, while a small portion of Viognier skins is incorporated into select fermenters to build additional texture and aromatic complexity. The wine is matured for 15 months in French oak barriques, with 30% new oak, before final blending and bottling.

While already approachable in its youth, Dry Red Wine No. 2 has an outstanding track record for long-term cellaring and will continue to evolve beautifully for 20 years or more under suitable conditions.