This is also a real surprise. For such a cool climate vineyard one would have to question whether planting Shiraz was overly wise. It is said the grape prefers warmer environs (mainly by winemakers in regions with warm climates). Despite some resistance, Dan insisted. It was very wise indeed and the vines went in. Today the naysayers have fallen silent.It’s great stuff. The 2003 Shiraz is a cool-climate delight with deep blackberry fruit intensity while being smooth and elegant. It’s a really sophisticated wine which is unlike any of those emerging from other WA regions. The concentrated ripe blackberry fruit fills the nose and dominates the palate. There is also spice and earth and gamey elements fused within a fleshy mouth feel. Again, the balance in this wine is very good, making it eminently drinkable now or with up to 10 years in cellar. It would give the very best Rhone Syrah a run for its money, and in many ways is more like the French style than the bold and brassy Aussie offerings.