The Illicium name comes from Illicium Verum, the Latin name for Star Anise. Star Anise is our most frequently discovered spice note and the design on our capsule. The other meaning of Illicium is ‘Enticing’ and we aim to make this wine to fit its name.
Ben reckons this might be the finest vintage he has ever seen from Langhorne Creek. Only time will tell. Harvest was more generous than the previous few years, with above-average quantity and quality. Total degree days were up from the last three years, with wonderful ripeness levels recorded leading to the amazing fruit intensity. This may supersede the 2012 vintage for overall quality and has led to a very happy winemaker.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the same vines as our classic Spice Trader range. The Shiraz is from a highly prized single vineyard, usually reserved for our most premium reds. The generosity of the 2016 vintage allowed us to play around with the extra. The varieties are fermented separately. Twelve months in barrel offers a better-balanced structure.
This is a bright glass of juicy and delicious red. The powerful and persistent fruit is layered with multifaceted spice and an accompaniment of floral aromas. The dense fruit satisfies the palate and is well harnessed within a structure of mellow oak. The long finish predicts a wine that will entice for a number of years.
