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 Reiver has its origins in Greenock, the western-most town of the Barossa Valley. Being higher elevation than the Valley floor, the climate is slightly cooler providing wines of elegance and restraint . The soils are free draining grey loam over a limestone pan; the vines are 60 years old; the vigour is low and berry size small, all resulting in rich fruit with balanced concentration.

Vintage - 2003
2003 produced limited quantities of incredibly flavoured and deep coloured fruit, with almost perfect ripening conditions from veraison through to harvest.

Winemaking
Grapes are harvested according to flavour profile with frequent trips to the vineyard before and during vintage to assess the flavours. Each parcel of fruit is fermented on skins for 10 days prior to pressing and then aged in 100% French oak for up to 18 months.

Tasting Note
Inky Black/Purple colour. Masses of blackberry and cassis on the nose with whisps of spice-laden French oak. A multilayered palate of vanilla, nutmeg, ripe soft tannin and leather. A full flavoured finish with notes of licorice and espresso.

Tasting Notes
Reiver | 2003 (192k)