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
A cool and wet winter allowed some much-required moisture to re-enter the soil and provide sustenance for even Spring growth. Fruit set was successful and moved into a hot dry summer.
Careful crop management allowed for excellent fruit flavours to develop in 2001.

Vintage - 2001
Warm, dry and still weather during flowering allowed an excellent percentage of successful fruit set. Extended periods 40 Degree Celsius heat and direct sunlight caused moisture transpiration to exceed vine uptake and many vineyards defoliated before ripening to optimum. While a high proportion of young vine Barossa Valley Shiraz was heavily influenced by these conditions, the Mitolo growers had predicted the season and carried even less crop than the normal 1.5 tonnes/acre to ensure the fruit ripened to our stringent flavour specifications.

Tasting Note
The Reiver reveals dark ruby colour with elegant chocolate, earthy notes. The palate depth is heightened by maturation in fine grained french oak for 18 months. The enticing, herb tinged fruit mouthfeel flows into a ripe round, supple finish. A statement in Barossa Valley elegance and approachability'. 2001 Reiver will age well with careful cellaring for a decade.