A classic understated blend of the traditional Rhone varieties Shiraz, Mourvedre & Viognier results in a lovely voluptuous wine with cool climate characters of white pepper & red berry fruit. Ionas Syrah is produced in very small quantities at this stage (120 cases) & the cool climate results in wines that are Northern Rhone in style showing white pepper, savoury & red fruit notes. Will suit carpaccio & anti-pasti, as well as a tomato-based pasta; or try with barbequed meats. The Vineyard Notes: The Shiraz on Iona started as a nursery error.. . When we planted our Cabernet Sauvignon, unknown to us (and hopefully the nursery!), we were supplied with Approx. 600 Shiraz vines. This was only discovered when we were ready to harvest our first Cabernet Sauvignon & we found grapes interspersed in the vineyard that were not quite ready. They were identified as Shiraz & left to ripen & were harvested in early May 2004. The quality was outstanding & as a result we planted another 4ha which will come into production for the 2007 vintage. Grape: Shiraz 90%, Viognier 5% & Mourverdre 5%.