Grape Variety: 100% Durif

Growing Region: Riverina, New South Wales, Australia

Winemaker: Daren Owers

TASTING NOTE:
Durif is a rich and robust red grape variety that thrives in the warm and dry conditions of the Nugan family's Manuka Grove Vineyard at Hanwood in the Riverina region of New South Wales. Durif is a crossing between the Syrah grape and the Peloursin variety in the 1870's - otherwise known as Petite Syrah.

After harvest, the grapes were crushed, yeast added and pumped over in traditional style to avoid the extraction of bitter tannins. The wine was then transferred to American oak barrels for fermentation, followed by a further 12 months maturation in new, one year old & seasoned French and American oak barrels prior to final blending and bottling.

In the glass you will be greeted by a dense inky red with a bright crimson hue. The nose has aromas of ripe blackberry, blood plums, darks cherries and dried spice. On the palate these rich and intense flavours of black cherry, plum, xmas pudding and earthy notes, with chocolate and spicy vanillin undertones give this wine a full mouth feel with balanced tannins and a long lingering finish.

Decant for 30-40mins and serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well this winter season; and over the next 5-6 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with seared lamp rump, rich veal shanks or aged hard cheese, enjoy.

Gold - NZ International Wine Show 2010.