Manytrees Vineyard consists of three small blocks of Shiraz and a tiny planting of Viognier on north, east and west-facing hillsides near Flowerdale, nestled high in the Dividing Range north-east of Melbourne. The vineyard, owned and managed by Geoff and Judy Sherlock, is planted on old Silurian clay-loam soils.

2001 was a fine, mild season, adequate warmth and moisture combining to yield moderate crops of healthy grapes, in which flavour, sugar and acid were in excellent balance. Shiraz ripens late at the high elevations of this southern vineyard, and the mild, sunny conditions throughout the growing season helped the process along enormously.

The grapes were harvested at the end of April, the 3% of Viognier being fermented along with the Shiraz in open stainless steel tanks. Warm fermentation with regular plunging was followed by extended maceration, before the wine was pressed, settled and racked to barrel. Maturation in French oak, 25% new, for 18 months was followed by blending, fining and bottling in December 2002.

Appearance:			Brilliant ruby-crimson.
Nose:			Cool-climate Shiraz aromas of pepper and spice are augmented by intense violet and blackcurrant overtones contributed by the Viognier. Subtle, toasty French oak supports the fruit in this complex, aromatic northern-Rhône style.
Palate:			Medium-weight, fine and long on the palate, this wine exhibits fresh currant and blackberry fruit with a light pepper overlay, a haunting floral dimension from the Viognier and toast and spice elements from the oak. Clean acidity balances the alcohol sweetness, and fine-grained tannins carry through to a savoury finish.