When crafting wines from only the best Estate fruit available from a vintage noted for bright, true-to-varietal Reds with concentration and depth then the anticipation is high. 2018 ‘Eric Stevens Purbrick’ Shiraz absolutely delivers. Ripe dark and red berry fruits are nuanced with liquorice, earth and ground black pepper notes. Savoury oak characters and seamless tannins contribute a truly distinctive release. Cellaring to 2033/2038 will realise further complexity.

The 2018 growing season was dry and warm and perfect for growing premium wine grapes. The winter of 2017 started with a very dry June and below average rains in July and August. Spring continued the theme with less than half the average long term rainfall, and finished with an unseasonably warm November. The vines loved the favourable weather, growing large, healthy canopies and setting good bunch numbers – ideal for optimal yields. Vineyard operations focused on trimming to maintain a balanced canopy, and irrigation to ensurethe vines had adequate water and nutrients. Vintage started early February and progressed very smoothly and although it remained warm, cooler nights kept a lid on sugar accumulation so that ripening progression was close to perfect. 2018 promises to be a very good year, the whites have clear varietal definition and crisp fruit flavours, and the reds are bright and varietal, with concentration and depth.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It ...

"Eric Purbrick set in place the winemaking traditions at Tahbilk from the 1930s onwards. He was all class; so, too, this Shiraz named in his honour.
Delivers aromas of ripe black fruits, plum, chocolate, earth and Aussie bush. The palate is mapped out in firm, fine tannins, nicely balanced with a light leathery, woodsy savouriness. As always, warm and complex."
Jeni Port | Wine Companion | August 2022