Highly complex aromas of blackberry, plums, spice and chocolate leading to a rich and succulent palate with well-integrated tannins. Extended bottle age has taken the wine to a higher plane, allowing it to develop succulent secondary characteristics of leather and peppery spice.
“The deep, crimson-coloured 2004 The Governor shows off a fragrant perfume of spice-box, black pepper, earth notes, mineral and blueberry. Rich and succulent, it has excellent depth, a firm structure, several years of ageing potential, and a fruit-filled finish." Robert Parker, 2009

A top-notch year. Excellent winter and spring rainfalls followed by a warm November resulted in rapid flowering development and near perfect berry-set. January was the coolest in 12 years resulting in a delayed season, but February brought everything back on track with plenty of sunshine hours. Final quantities were above average with strong varietal characters evident. Considered by many to be the vintage of the decade.

Winemaking is very traditional and labour intensive. Small batch fermentation took place in open top fermenters, following which the wine was matured for a period of 18 months in a selection of the best French and American oak (100% new). It was neither fined nor filtered so that the integrity and depth of flavour could be maintained.

• Gold Medal & Perpetual Trophy / (best wine by a small producer) Sydney Royal Wine Show 07
• Gold Medal / Royal Adelaide Wine Show 06