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Established by Bob & Cherie Berton in May 1996 with 75 acres. The heart of Berton Vineyards is their own personal plot in a sub-region of Eden Valley in South Australia. This idyllic property sits at 450m above sea level on gently rolling hills – except for the Chardonnay block which is anything but gentle

The first vines were planted in that spring – ten acres of Shiraz and seven acres of Chardonnay – but without any permanent water. It was not until 1998, after the new dam was filled, that the vines finally had a decent drink.

With all this, the vines struggled through their impressionable years. Lots of love and attention, but the lack of water really retarded their growth, so much so that a Swedish friend jokingly told them that they had planted a bonsai vineyard….the name stuck and later became the name of their premium Shiraz. With the good rainfall in High Eden, the vines are in great condition these days, but they still remember the early days every time they open a bottle of the Bonsai.

After the dam was full they were able to follow on and plant Cabernet Sauvignon and lastly some Sauvignon Blanc. The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are now growing happily amongst big white rocks on ancient podsolic soils – which really makes driving trellis posts interesting, but that’s another story.

Grapes:                   100% Shiraz

Region:                    Barossa Valley. Warm days, fertile soils and minimal water are the key factors that have made Barossa Shiraz the benchmark for Australian red wines.

Taste:                     The Reserve Shiraz is deepest dark red with a very youthful and vibrant hue. The aromas are powerful and complex with a wealth of fruit ranging from ripe black cherries through to an intense plum skin. These flavours abound on the full and rich palate that are underpinned by fine vanillian oak and well balanced by exciting spicy tannins. 

Alc:                        14.5%, R/S 1.5g/l

Serve:                     Perfect with rich red meat dishes, such as shepherd’s pie or roast veal. This wine has been made to drink now but will cellar for 5 years.