The original wines made four decades ago were blended from old-vine varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Muscadelle. Since 1985, Portuguese fortified varieties Touriga, Tinta Coa and Tinta Molle have contributed additional complexity to the blend. Dry-grown vineyards in the warmer sub regions of the Barossa Valley are well suited for their low yield and high ripening potential. The grapes are fermented on skins for several days to extract flavour and body then fortified with brandy spirit. After many years of maturation, a selection of older and younger wines are judiciously blended to produce a complexity and balance of fruit and aged characters. The base blend from which this Antique Tawny is bottled is regularly re-blended to perpetuate the consistency and complexity of this classic tawny style from year to year.