In recognition of this great lady, each vintage the winemakers select the best Shiraz to carry the ¡°Eileen Hardy¡± label. This 1998 wine is a blend of McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Clare Valley fruit, crafted using the traditional winemaking techniques of open fermentation and basket pressing. Following fermentation, the wine was matured for 24 months in new and one year old French oak barriques, and released after 36 months. On release, this wine showed fresh black cherry, blackberry and cracked black pepper aromas complemented by spice and herbal characters of rosemary, nutmeg and cloves. The palate has a lively and velvety mouthfeel showing complex powerful flavour similar to those on the nose, with hints of liquorice and sage. The rewarding finish has finely structured tannins and subtle toasty vanillin oak notes providing impressive structure to this wine. Careful cellaring for 7 to 10 years, and decanting the wine prior to serving, is recommended