Palate
Of medium weight but great intensity. Harmonious fruit flavours are framed by subtle oak and fine tannins.

Nose
Classic Virgin Hills aromas of dark berries, plums, white pepper and tobacco, supported by attractive cigar box aromas from new oak.

Enjoy With
Tender red meats such as lamb, hotpots and French style cuisine such as sauteed Foi Gras or savoury Mille-Feuille or simply with mature cheese.

Cellaring
10 years

Published
James Halliday, Australia & New Zealand Wine Companion (1999 edition)
"Medium to full red-purple; the bouquet is fragrant, of moderate intensity, with cedar, cigar box, leaf and spice aromas. The palate is fine and elegant, with leaf, mint and spice flavours underlying the red cherry/berry fruit; fine-grained tannins on a delicate but long finish."
Rating: 90

Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator USA, March 1999
"Light and silky with pretty plum flavours and a streak of smokey tea character running through. Flavours are unusual but persist on the finish." Rating: 87 Points

James Halliday, Weekend Australian, August 1998
"Icons such as these should have a special place in the scheme of things"

John Fordham, The Sunday Telegraph, 14 February 1999
"Virgin Hills flagship red - a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec and Merlot - has always had a good reputation for consistency, quality and durability."