In the Summer of 2006 The Grampians Region was widely devasted by bushfires.  Thermopyle was one of the many properties that was affected; over 90% of the vines were either burnt or scorched.  With the help of eight local and regional wineries, fruit has been donated to continue the winemakeing tradition of Grampians Estate, the Black Sunday Friends Shiraz Collection was launched in February 2008 at a special dinner at the Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld.  2006 Black Sunday Friends Shiraz “A lovely wine with great colour, loads of spice, silky mid-palate fruit and a combination of dark and red fruits on offer. Fine and long on the finish. 95 points, drink to 2018, screw cap.” James Halliday, E Newsletter, April 2008. "In the genre of the’98 Bannockburn Shiraz; grapes from six Vic cool-climate regions, most from the Grampians and Pyrenees; a wonderful tapestry of vibrant spices and black fruit; marvelous thrust to the almost explosive finish." Review James Halliday 2009 Wine Companion Rating 96 Points Alc/ Vol 14.8%                                                    Variety 100% Shiraz                                                 Harvest Date March to May 2006                               Bottling Date  August 2007                                             Oak Treatment French and American Oak                    Cellaring Potential 10 years                                         Colour Ruby                                                                Nose Pepper and spice                                               Palate Fruit depth intensity and vibrancy with balance.  Awards                                                                        Gold Medal 2007 Aust Small Winemakers Show                Silver Medal 2007 Royal Hobart Wine Show                     Silver Medal 2007 Victorian Wine Show                            Silver Medal 2007 Ballarat Wine Show                             Silver Medal 2007 Rutherglen Wine Show RRP - Sold Out                                                           Review                                                                                "The standard Friends wine is quite simply gorgeous. A rich and supple red with ideal oak integration and fine silk tannins." Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 6/5/08.                                                                                 2006 Black Sunday Friends Reserve Shiraz “The reserve is more complex and serious with a remarkable combination of intensity and poise.” Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 6/05/08. "The grapes for this Shiraz were donated by friends after a bushfire ravaged this Great Western vineyar. Spice cupboard, pepper, dark fruit, eucalypt and chocolate aromas are backed by smoky oak. Sustained ripe flavour, excellent texture and soft, ripe tannins will blossom wtih age." Sally Gudgeon and Ralph Kyte-Powell, Sunday Life Magazine 8/6/08. "Uncorked" The Wine Guide. Rating: 5 Stars. Food Oxtail Ragout                                                           Ageing 2010 to 2018 Alc/ Vol 14.8%                                                    Variety 100% Shiraz                                                 Harvest Date March to May 2006                               Bottling Date  February 2008                                         Oak Treatment French and American Oak                    Cellaring Potential 15 years                                         Colour Ruby                                                                Nose Pepper                                                            Closure Screw Cap Assessment                                                                   An awesome wine which will develop for years to come. Rich fruit, lovely spice charachters and a wonderful pepper nose.             2009 James Halliday Wine Companion - 96 Points RRP $65.00                                                                                       Awards  Trophy 2008 Federation Square Victorian Wine Awards "Wine of the Year", "Best Red Wine" and Best Shiraz