81% Shiraz and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. There is also a bit of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Viognier in this blend. The latter part of the 2006 vintage was very cool and damp, and the Pannell’s had problems ripening and obtaining the structure in the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon that they would have liked. This has produced a wine which did not quite meet the Picardy quality standards so it has been declassified. But don’t be mistaken, this is still a very good wine for the price – indeed better than many shiraz cabernet blends at twice the amount! It’s a great early drinking blend. The aromas are of plum, raspberry, liquorice, earth and vanilla oak. Medium bodied, the palate offers up plum, raspberry, tobacco, earth and cedar flavours – all of which have a gentle underlying sweetness, which is surprising for this vintage. Tannins are loose knit and a little grainy and acidity is clean and fresh. Not a heavyweight, but a delicious friendly style for the winter months, and at a fabulous price! Great with a beef roast or hearty stew.
*Bill and Sandra, when at Moss Wood, similarly declassified the 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon which became the 1978 Moss Wood Dry Red. This wine went on to become known as one of the best value for money wines released from Western Australia.