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 vineyard in Greenock in the Barossa Valley which is situated at 550 metres above sea level. 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 is around 1-2 tonnes per acre..

Vintage - 2004
An Indian summer during February ensured that the 2004 vintage was very promising. Shiraz had good colour with elegant flavours and is regarded as very good quality.

Winemaking
The fruit is fermented for 10 days on skins at 18-23°C in openfermenters. The wine is then pressed and undergoes partial barrel fermentation followed by natural malolactic fermentation before racking.

18 months in 70% new French (Allier/Nevers) hogsheads and barriques.

Tasting Note
Vibrant brick red. Hints of fruitcake, toasty spice and cherries. Rich yet elegant palate, savoury tannins providing structure and finesse.

Cellaring
Will age reliably for 10 years

Tasting Notes
Reiver | 2004 (148k)