I spoke with Rick earlier today and got the whole poop.
The wine came about from two sources. The first was when Rick was harvesting he spotted some pretty good fruit, and whilst it was not top notch, it was good enough quality to keep separate. There was enough of that for about 200 cases. That wine would have resulted in a Shiraz dominant blend with 58% Shiraz and the balance Grenache.
When he was blending the G3, he had a specific ratio he was shooting for and that left a little Shiraz to spare so he selected the least attractive barrels of Shiraz that had been earmarked for the G3, declassified it, and blended it into the already separated stock that was to form the D & OH. (Draycott and Olive Hill) label.
That produced enough for 300 cases and a 74% Shiraz 26% Grenache blend. 200 cases have gone to the US and the balance will be sold via CD and mailing list, or people who are reading this and ring up and order it.
It will be released next month and will sell for $25 a bottle. according to Rick, it is medium bodied, not overly complex but "gluggable" and stylish.
The reason Noel didn't know about it is that Rick is using the mushroom theory on him.
![Razz :P](./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
Just joking, Rick was embarrassed about the situation and will ring him tonight to explain that as supply was so limited none will make Europe due to special labelling etc.