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Colour

Deep black in colour with a slight red hue

Aroma

Lifted red fruit, strawberries and cream, notes of potpourri, especially roses, coupled with spice, dried leaves and an underlying meatiness

Palate

The palate is concentrated, yet restrained. Following on from the new blend of 2008 vintage, the 2009 Brave Faces is the second vintage dominated by Grenache, showing a point of difference from the Shiraz dominated portfolio. The soft red fruits from the Grenache open the experience with the dense dark Shiraz fruits rolling past the mid palate with subtle spiciness and floral flavours, and the red fruits reappearing with the Mataro's underlying meaty flavours, notes of bracked and fine savoury tannins to finish.

Winemaking

The majority of the batches were destemmed and crushed to open top fermenters. The Shiraz was pumped over 3 times daily through the peak of fermentation, whereas the Grenache and Mataro, after a few days cold soak, were pumped over and plunged rigorously through the peak of fermentation. Average time 'on skins' was 15 days. The Grenache was again co-fermented with whole bunches to gain complexity and structure. All pressings were added back to the free run. 60% Grenache 20% Shiraz 20% Mataro

 

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