• French oak
• Purple berry fruit
• Dark chocolate
• Fine tannins

"Youthfully charming and gorgeously ripe, the wine shows Black Doris plum, blueberry compote, thyme, vanilla and toasted nut aromas on the nose, followed by a flavoursome palate that displays excellent weight and fruit intensity. It’s silky and lingering with plenty of delectable flavours. At its best: now to 2027" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2020

In the glass it’s coloured purple with a dense and dark body. A full-bodied and very aromatic Shiraz showing purple berry fruits, dark chocolate and integrated spices. The palate shows good weight and evenness whilst the fine tannins and integrated acidity drive persistence to the length.

Sourced from a selection of mature, dry-grown vineyards in Langhorne Creek managed by Jim Zerella (delivering intensity, length and structure) and blended with a parcel of Barossa Valley Shiraz from Light Pass and the eastern slopes that provided opulent fruit depth.

Vintage 2019 will be remembered for the one that failed to produce much fruit. There was a deficit in rain during the Summer which made it difficult for growers to make up the shortfall instead having to rely on irrigation. Although yields were down vines produced fruit with more intensity.

The fruit is partially hand-harvested before de-stemming and cool fermentation in small two tonne open fermenters with regular hand plunging. Matured in seasoned French oak (20% new French) for six months before bottling with minimal filtration and sulphur addition.

Take it to the Grave is a joint venture between Nicholas Crampton and South Australian winemaker Corey Ryan created to deliver interesting and rewarding wines whilst challenging a few established rules and preconceptions. The Take it to the Grave Shiraz takes on the mysteries and individual personalities of old-vine vineyards.

Food Pairing: Perfect with roast lamb and a rich, creamy potato gratin.