ICON Eric Stevens Purbrick Shiraz 2017 x 6

ICON Eric Stevens Purbrick Shiraz 2017 x 6After many years of dry winters we received average to above average rains through the 2016 winter and spring. The grapevines responded, growing vivid green canopies and setting good crop levels. A temperamental spring saw up and down temperatures and there were many Four seasons in a day events, and warmish rainy days. The latter caused anxiety for our vineyard managers, with the potential for mildew to develop. However good management and diligent

 After many years of dry winters we received
 average to above average rains through the 2016
 winter and spring. The grapevines responded,
 growing vivid green canopies and setting good
 crop levels. A temperamental spring saw up and
 down temperatures and there were many ‘Four
 seasons in a day’ events, and warmish rainy days.
 The latter caused anxiety for our vineyard
 managers, with  the potential for mildew to
 develop. However good management and diligent
 monitoring allowed us to keep the vineyard
 disease free. 
Summer seemed transient but we did have three
 balmy weeks through March with ripening
 continuing at a steady pace. The fine, albeit
 slightly cooler, weather lingered on in April and
 harvest continued steadily with very few issues
 but thankful that the weather did hold. 
“‘Best of a vintage’ is a mantle that this 2017
 ‘Eric Stevens Purbrick’ Shiraz wears very easily.
 A symphony of deliciously ripe dark plum and
 red berry fruits is joined by a background
 chorus of black pepper, exotic spices and
 liquorice notes.
 Well integrated French oak and earthy tannins
 give supporting structure to a wine of style and
 distinction, presented under a replica 1870s
 Tahbilk label. Further complexity will develop
 out to 2030/2034.”
 Established in 1860, Tahbilk is located in the
 premium central Victorian region of Nagambie
 Lakes. Purchased by Reginald Purbrick in 1925, his
 son Eric took over management of Tahbilk in 1931. 
Heading the winemaking for over 40 vintages until
 handing over to his grandson Alister in 1978, Eric
 was one of the early pioneers of varietal labelling
 in Australia and continued to be a strong influence
 in the direction of the Estate until his passing in
 1991. Perhaps his greatest contribution to Tahbilk
 was to create the ‘Special Bin’ Shiraz in 1948
 which was to be made, and continues to be
 made, from the best vats of a particular vintage.
 In 1952 a ‘Special Bin’ Cabernet Sauvignon was
 added to the range with both releases becoming
 known as ‘Reserve’ in 1985. 
Alister Purbrick ~ Fourth Generation
 CEO and Winemaker
 Vintage 2017 will be remembered as having a
 traditional late start with the very even and steady
 ripening resulting in distinct varietal flavours with
 bright fruit and elegant, fine structures.
 In recognition of his achievements, these ‘best of
 a vintage’ wines now carry his name and
 signature … Eric Stevens Purbrick.