From 100% estate grown grapes, the Crescent label blend varies from year to year. The 2006 Crescent Grenache Mourvedre Shiraz is the first time this has been a Grenache dominated wine. The color is medium ruby and the nose scented of ripe raspberry, dark chocolate and spearmint with hints of powdered cinnamon, dried rosemary, thyme and tree bark. Medium-high acid and medium level of velvety tannins are padded by a generous amount of full-bodied, spicy fruit that lingers long into the finish. Drink it now through 2015. Located in the heart of the Nagambie Lakes region (very close to Tahbilk), Mitchelton is now under the umbrella of the Lion Nathan Group which is, in turn, controlled by Japanese drinks giant Kirin. The compelling and somewhat unconventional winery was built in 1972, resembling an early version of an air traffic control tower. Young senior winemaker Ben Haines seems to be adeptly modernising the approach to the wines while preserving the estate’s essence.Importer: Lion Nathan Group