After many years of dry winters we received  average to above average rains through the 2016  winter and spring. The grapevines responded,  growing vivid green canopies and setting good  crop levels. A temperamental spring saw up and  down temperatures and there were many ‘Four  seasons in a day’ events, and warmish rainy days.  The latter caused anxiety for our vineyard  managers, with  the potential for mildew to  develop. However good management and diligent  monitoring allowed us to keep the vineyard  disease free.  Summer seemed transient but we did have three  balmy weeks through March with ripening  continuing at a steady pace. The fine, albeit  slightly cooler, weather lingered on in April and  harvest continued steadily with very few issues  but thankful that the weather did hold.  “‘Best of a vintage’ is a mantle that this 2017  ‘Eric Stevens Purbrick’ Shiraz wears very easily.  A symphony of deliciously ripe dark plum and  red berry fruits is joined by a background  chorus of black pepper, exotic spices and  liquorice notes.  Well integrated French oak and earthy tannins  give supporting structure to a wine of style and  distinction, presented under a replica 1870s  Tahbilk label. Further complexity will develop  out to 2030/2034.”  Established in 1860, Tahbilk is located in the  premium central Victorian region of Nagambie  Lakes. Purchased by Reginald Purbrick in 1925, his  son Eric took over management of Tahbilk in 1931.  Heading the winemaking for over 40 vintages until  handing over to his grandson Alister in 1978, Eric  was one of the early pioneers of varietal labelling  in Australia and continued to be a strong influence  in the direction of the Estate until his passing in  1991. Perhaps his greatest contribution to Tahbilk  was to create the ‘Special Bin’ Shiraz in 1948  which was to be made, and continues to be  made, from the best vats of a particular vintage.  In 1952 a ‘Special Bin’ Cabernet Sauvignon was  added to the range with both releases becoming  known as ‘Reserve’ in 1985.  Alister Purbrick ~ Fourth Generation  CEO and Winemaker  Vintage 2017 will be remembered as having a  traditional late start with the very even and steady  ripening resulting in distinct varietal flavours with  bright fruit and elegant, fine structures.  In recognition of his achievements, these ‘best of  a vintage’ wines now carry his name and  signature … Eric Stevens Purbrick.