1997 Water Wheel Shiraz

Peter Cumming is a wine lovers light house, spreading his wine making talents over a highly appreciative wine drinking audience internationally, and gaining a rare respect for his integrity of vision. Whilst many producers have surfed the red wine wave with more skill than Tom Carroll could ever muster - Cumming has remained steadfast, delivering extraordinary value for money. Even in a vintage such as 1997, which was partly frost damaged and reduced his crop levels to less than 2 tonnes per acre, he resisted the temptation to source fruit from other regions to bulk up his wines, or a substantial price hike. A rare man - and a winemaker that will enjoy many seasons of support and endorsement from his loyal customers.Colour has a direct correlation to flavour and quality. The greater the intensity of colour, the more vibrant its hue and density, the more flavour will be delivered onto the palate. The colour reflects the soul of the wine. One glance at the colour of the 1997 Water Wheel Shiraz reveals instantly that an immense flavour filled wine will follow. Opaque, black crimson mauve colour, with deep purple edges. The aroma is superb. The first notes are of confectionary and liquorice all sorts, followed by spicy, freshly crushed blackberries, vanilla and plums and a trace of violets as a final note that remains vibrating in the brain. The palate is every bit as exciting as the colour and nose have already revealed. Abundant flavours of ripe plums, spiced blackberries, liquorice all sorts, dark cherries, confectionary and a trace of black pepper as an end flavour. Fine, velvet smooth tannins with exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, blackberry and mocca. Extraordinary value for money.