Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz

Growing Region: McLaren Vale, Australia

Winemaker: Dean Hewitson

Dean gave this wine the royal treatment, not quite handling each berry that went into the vats, but carefully selecting everything else - that would best express the outstanding fruit from this site. 'The Mad Hatter' is a single vineyard wine that is only produced in limited quantities. Allocated worldwide, the exclusive release of the vintage 2005 The Mad Hatter is available for a short time only.

The 2005 The Mad Hatter is a rich and intense wine with a deep, inky, purple colour. Hedonistic aromas of liquorice, creme de cassis, blackberries, minerals and spice strike the nose. These aromas are followed by an even more powerful, concentrated mid-palate with superb flavours of chocolate, blackberry and mocha coupled with fine ripe tannins. The finish is long and multi-dimensional.

And finally a quick word on the name. Despite appearances it's not a ploy to grab some literary credibility and align Dean with Lewis Carroll. 'Hatter' is actually the nickname Dean's closest friends have used for years - and as for the 'Mad' - well those of you who've spent any more than 5 minutes with Dean will surely understand.

CELLARING POTENTIAL: This complex Shiraz is approachable now, plus will cellar for 10+ years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES: Perfect with Steak and kidney-pie, Lamb shanks, roasted vegetables and good friends.

92 points - The Wine Advocate, Oct. 2007