One of McLaren Vale's top growers, Don Oliver has cropped these shiraz at extremely small yields of 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. Winemaker Corrina Rayment (daughter of Colin Rayment from Kays, the famed McLaren Vale winery known for their old vine shiraz) has fashioned a 2001 Shiraz that may be controversial given its fragrant Cotes du Rhone-like nose of damp earth, ground pepper and composty black cherry and currant notes with a touch of licorice and truffles in the background. The complex aromatics are followed by dense, medium to full-bodied, ripe, opulently-styled wine. Although evolved and forward, it is beautifully balanced and capable of another 7-8 years of top flight drinking.

Earthy, spicy flavors surround the generous blackberry, cherry and smoke characters at the centre of this firm-textured Shiraz, echoing the fruit nicely as the finish lingers on and on. Best after 2004

An outstanding wine from Don and Margie Oliver. The couple have been growing grapes of extraordinary quality which have been sourced for Penfolds Grange in the past. The 2001 wine was made by Corrina Rayment, 6th Generation Oliver family member, who continues to make formidable wine. Made from a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon the wine was matured in a combination of 1/3 new American & French oak, 2/3 various age American & French oak for 18 months. Opaque black crimson colour. Superb nose of plum, spice, black pepper and vanilla. The palate explodes with layers of flavour. Mouthfilling plum, spice, blackberry and black pepper flavours are layered over dark chocolate and vanillin oak. Very fine tannins, perfectly balanced, with very long plum, blac kpepper & blackberry aftertaste. Cellar 5 – 8 years (2008-2011)