Those who surround themselves in the art and science of viticulture make the greatest contribution to the quality of wine. For three decades, the Paxtons have nurtured their prized McLaren Vale vineyards, some of which are over a hundred years old. It's this level of care and passion for the land that has produced remarkable wine. The quality of fruit marked for inclusion must be nothing short of exceptional. Paxton remains on skins just long enough to be blushed with a chic lipstick hue and infused with a light dose of quenching tannins.

Located southwest of McLaren Vale township, the coastal, relatively cool hilltop Shiraz site consists of predominantly deep alluvial clays layered with seams of river bed gravel and stone. Slightly closer to the coast, the Maslin Beach property is the source of an early ripening Shiraz component. Grapes are harvested as they begin to show the bright, light berry fruit flavours which are just right for Rose. Fruit is crushed and held in contact on skins for several hours. After settling, juices are fermented at cool temperatures as you would for a white wine. A small proportion is vinified in new French oak barrels. The final mix is filtered and bottled early to capture the piquancy of Shiraz Rose.