The Dry River vineyard was established in 1979, and its excellent growing conditions--arid, gravely, and free-draining soils in a cool climate--helped put the winery on the map. Today the wines are highly allocated and hard to get. Winemaker's Notes: "Dark ruby with a violet hue. Fresh walnut, marmite and toasty oak overlay an array of red and dark berry notes. Black currant and an ever so slight hint of white pepper dart around on the nose with notes of tar and fresh leather contributing to extra aromatic complexity. Thanks to low cropping levels the palate is dense and weighty, yet soft and buoy- ant. Upfront flavours of dark fruit are followed by fresh tobacco and Christmas cake spice. The structure grows in strength with well-knitted tannins and considerable length. This is an intricate wine with upfront primary fruit aromas that will develop savoury complexity and gain richness over the next five to seven years."