The 2018 growing season began promisingly, with Winter 2017 rainfall approximately 10% above average. Conditions became drier as the season progressed, with spring rainfall reaching only 78% of the long-term average and December rainfall dropping to just 57%. These drier soils, coupled with warmer-than-average temperatures in October and November, encouraged rapid canopy growth, leading to successful flowering and strong fruit set. January and February were consistently warm and dry, and the favourable conditions continued through March and early April. With moderate temperatures and no extremes, the season provided ideal conditions to complete the vintage. The outcome was an outstanding year across all red varieties, producing wines that are drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve gracefully over the medium to long term.
Tasting Note
The Single Block Koonunga Ancestor Vine Shiraz from the exceptional 2018 vintage is sourced from the Ancestor Shiraz block in Koonunga, located in the northern reaches of the Barossa Valley. Farmed by the Becker family since the 1800s, this historic block is believed to have been planted in the 1870s, although no formal records remain.
Displaying all the classic characteristics of Northern Barossa Shiraz, the wine shows a vivid purple-red hue with powerful black and blue fruit aromas. Full-bodied and richly textured, the dense fruit is balanced by abundant natural tannins. Beautifully integrated already, the wine also possesses the structure and depth to age confidently for many years to come.
Only 400 bottles made in this vintage.
