The name 'Reiver' is taken from the border raiders of the Anglo-Scot borders. Throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the border country was ravaged by lawless Reiver families in a vicious cycle of raid, reprisal and blood feud. Their allegiance was first to the family, the surname, and not the crown, whether English or Scottish.

'Rubro et albo vexillum volitat, pro sanguine, pietale, sanctitateque et familiae honore'
'The flag flies red and white - for bloodshed and righteousness and the honour of the family'.

Vineyard
The grapes come from a single vineyard in Greenock in the northern part of the Barossa Valley which is situated at 550 metres above sea level and grown in a continental climate. The average age of the vines is around 60 years old and they receive very little irrigation. The soils are free draining loam over limestone. Yield in 2005 was 1.4 tonnes per acre (24.5hl/ha).

Vintage - 2005
Summer temperatures were about 2° below average, allowing for a stress free ripening season. February continued mild and dry resulting in a later than usual harvest. Shiraz berry flavours are subtle but correct and regarded as good quality.

Winemaking
The fruit was fermented for 10 days on skins at 18-23° in open fermenters. The wine was then cold pressed and underwent partial barrel fermentation followed by natural malolactic fermentation before racking. The gross lees were left in contact with the wine and stirred in barrel, to enhance the typical Barossa earthy, truffle characters in the finished wine.

Tasting Note
Dark ruby coloured, the nose has hints of liquorice, cherry, liqueur and earthy leathery notes. The palate is dense while showing lively hints of truffle, espresso and a lively mineral finish.

Cellaring
Will evolve nicely for 8 - 10 years

Tasting Notes
Reiver | 2005 (192k)