The BARD range celebrates the work of Australia’s best known lyric poet John Shaw Neilson who was raised in the cottage on the Hollick Neilson’s Block vineyard. Revered by his peers in the world of literature, Neilson was born in Penola in 1872, and it is thought that much of the imagery in his poetry was conjured up during his childhood experiences in the bush and wetlands around Coonawarra.

The long mild growing season in the Limestone Coast provides an ideal climate for Shiraz. The spring of 2013 saw a very cool start with regular rain until late December. The warm days and cool nights experienced in Coonawarra during summer and autumn of 2014, slowed the ripening process and allowed for maximum flavour development.

The fruit was picked at optimum ripeness and carefully handled to retain the flavours achieved in the vineyard. The combination of the luscious fruit flavours from Wrattonbully shiraz combined with the more restrained berry flavours of Coonawarra fruit along with the spiciness typical of the variety, has produced an elegant wine so in keeping with the Hollick Bard style. It makes this wine an excellent accompaniment to food.