Tasting Notes

There will only be one wine from the vintage - the Grampians Shiraz, this year from two vineyards, Garry Rice's Concongella vineyard just outside Stawell, and the Dalkin's Westgate vineyard at Armstrong. Fear not however, the 2008 vintage (young as it is) already has a couple of parcels that look outstanding and all things progressing well should be up to seperate bottlings - but more on that later. Just prior to bottling, the 2007 is shaping up to be a very balanced, supple and aromatic vintage. It will be dangerously drinkable early in its life, but I think the balance of elements could show it to be a bit of a sleeper. Alcohol is in balance, so is acid, fruit is ripe and at the red end of the spectrum, texture is pleasing, and tannins very fine in support, less overt than those of the 2006. Of course time will tell, but i'll probably have a few bottles available before Christmas, as long as it settles down well, and you can be the judge then. Rory Lane, The Story Wines