The 2016 Angove Family Crest McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre is crafted from Grenache from the sandy soils of the Swann vineyard in Blewitt Springs and the organic Warboys vineyard, Shiraz from the exposed slopes of the Cheasley vineyard high on the Sellicks Hills overlooking Gulf St Vincent and the sandstone knoll of the organic Paxton “Jones” block, and Mourvèdre from the more sheltered Balanave’s vineyard also in Sellicks Hills. Winter and Spring rainfall was well below average requiring early irrigation to ensure budburst and flowering occurred with minimal stress on the vine. Mild, calm conditions at flowering resulted in good fruit set despite a rain event mid-November. Drier than average conditions meant low disease pressure but tougher growing conditions for the vine. Fortunately, a rainfall event in early February refreshed the vines setting them up perfectly for the ripening period. Optimum ripening conditions late February/early March allowed for excellent flavour development with balanced acidity and lifted aromatics. Wines from this year are fresh and fragrant with great structure, intensity and depth. They are drinking excellently now and will cellar outstandingly due to their exceptional balance of fruit, acidity and tannin.