With the Len Evan’s Tutorial reunion currently underway and the main topic of discussion being the future of wine shows, it’s worth noting that sometimes ‘they’ do get it right. This was awarded the trophy for the best dry red at the Hunter Valley Wine Show 2012. Congratulations to the judges for an astute choice and to winemaker Mike De Iuliis for producing such an outstanding wine.
The 2009 release of this Shiraz was an absolute cracker; and I’ll be adding some of this to my cellared stash of it. I have the 09 ahead in a photo finish, but it’s so close that the scores will be the same. The Steven vineyard was planted in 1968 on red volcanic soils (the sort of soils that have churned out some of the most amazing Hunter Shirazes in the region’s esteemed history). This vineyard is special, make no mistake; and I’m confident we’ll see more wines of a similar stature made from its fruit in the years ahead.
It’s crafted in what I consider to be the classical medium bodied, red fruited, acid structured Hunter Burgundy mold (although it’s spotlessly clean, let’s make that clear). Vivacious fruits, cinnamon and clove spice and hints of latent regional earth. It’s fine boned, almost fragile and a touch more supple in the mouth than the 2009. Perhaps a little more forward too. Ultra-fine tannin builds with each sip but it shoulders a minimum of the architectural workload. Length, form and flow are impeccable. Tasted over three days and it hardly budged. Revel in it now but keep some aside for the future. You will be rewarded. 95+ Excellent – Exceptional
Region: Hunter Valley
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: September 2012