Eric Stevens Purbrick - a formidable gentleman

The Cambridge educated Eric Stevens Purbrick first set foot on Tahbilk in 1925 and was winemaker for more than 40 vintages between 1931 and 1978. He passed the winemaking mantle to his grandson, Alister Purbrick, after the 1978 vintage but remained a strong influence in the direction of Tahbilk until his passing in 1991.

He was one of the early pioneers of varietal labelling in Australia but 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 that vintage. In 1952 a Cabernet Sauvignon 'Special Bin' was added to the range and both wines became known as 'Reserve' in 1985.

In recognition of his contribution to the Australian Wine Industry in general and Tahbilk in particular, from the 2002 vintage release these wines now carry his name and signature ....... 'Eric Stevens Purbrick'.

Look under ABOUT US - History, for more detail on the life and impact of Eric Stevens Purbrick

'ERIC STEVENS PURBRICK' SHIRAZ

Only the most outstanding fruit from a vintage - sourced predominately from vines planted on the Estate in 1933, 1936 and 1937 - will make its way into these releases .

Prudent hand picking is followed by traditional Tahbilk red winemaking techniques with fermentation taking place in 100 year old plus open oak vats followed by maturation in French oak prior to bottling and then further cellaring prior to release.

An original 1870's Tahbilk label has also been adapted for these extraordinary wines commencing with the inaugural 1994 'Reserve' vintage and now the 2002 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' release.

Australian wine auctioneers - Langtons - describe the Tahbilk 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' (nee 1933 Vines/Reserve) Shiraz as being a "Dark horse wine with superb class. Incredibly strong regional provenance and made for long term cellaring" and list it as an "Emerging Wine" - wines with an up and coming profile, considered to have unique properties - both tangible and intangible - that carry a high perception of quality.

'ERIC STEVENS PURBRICK' CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Tahbilk 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' Cabernet Sauvignon is selected from the most outstanding casks produced by the Estate from a particular vintage, with each stunning release now featuring an adaption of an original Tahbilk lable from the 1870's.

The fruit used is predominately sourced from Estate vines planted in 1949, with traditional Tahbilk red winemaking approach employed in its making. Fermentation takes place in 100 year old plus open oak vats followed by maturation in French oak prior to bottling and then further cellaring prior to its release

Tahbilk 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys an enviable reputation amongst wine connoisseurs and show judges around the world and "..... are amongst the most unique wines in this country - wines that will live and be enjoyed for many years" Len Evans

Fittingly the inaugural 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' 2002 vintage received a Gold Medal in its class and was then awarded the A&G Engineering Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon Open Classes 33 and 38 - the reputation continues to grow!