RECOMMENDED - Decanter World Wine Awards 2010

Owned by Hans and Fransien Haan, the vineyard is located on the valley floor of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, one of the world’s renowned grape growing districts. The 40 acre property was purchased in 1993, with the first wine produced in 1997. A few years later the property was expanded to 47 acres.

Production is currently limited to approximately 4,000 cases, using only premium quality grapes produced on the estate. Only premium oak barrels are used for fermentation. No grapes are purchased, and seasonal conditions sometimes dictate the quantities produced.

The vineyard is run on a ‘minimal input’ system, offering considerable environmental protection. Chemical use is kept to an absolute minimum, as is irrigation and ground disturbance.

Haan Wines also took out the prestigious award at IWSC in as “Australian Producer of the Year”

Grapes:      Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Viticulture:  The Merlot and Cabernet are grown in sandy loam soil on a vertical trellis system with movable foliage wires to expose the fruit to the sun for maximum development of flavour and character.

Notes:        An intense depth of aroma is achieved by blending these two varieties. There are upfront plums and wild berry fruits from the Merlot, balanced with a soft, herbal forest floor aroma from the Cabernet Franc. The palate structure is soft and silky with generous fruit flavour that is balanced with spicy French oak tannins extending the palate length.