The Descendant is a single vineyard Shiraz-Viognier, which as the name implies, is a direct descendant of RunRig. The Descendant vineyard Shiraz expresses tar and black olive, offset wonderfully by the velvety mouth feel with the jasmine and apricot aromatics of Viognier. From the cuttings taken from old vines used to plant the vineyard, and the viognier skins the shiraz was crushed onto, to the barrels it was matured in, this wine is directly descended from RunRig.
‘Aged in used French oak casks for 18 months prior to being bottled unfiltered, the 2001 Descendant is a 1,000 case blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier cropped at approximately 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. This spectacular Australian red offers an aromatic smorgasbord of honeysuckle intermixed with blackberry and creme de cassis liqueurs, licorice, coffee, and spice. There is fabulous fruit purity, tremendous intensity, and great balance with flavor, power, and elegance all combined into a riveting example of Barossa Valley wine. It should drink well for 10-12 years.’ – 98 points. Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
