I don’t think is of quite the same standard as the glorious 2009 release but I’d happily buy and drink it regularly. It’s still a lovely expression of Hunter Shiraz from a vineyard which holds a special place in my heart.
There’s a fair clip of slightly charry vanillin oak but the ripe fruit is already soaking it up well. Otherwise it smells and tastes of regional red earth, cherries and raspberries with a touch of meatiness on the palate and a few generous grinds of rock salt and black pepper. I don’t find it overly raisined and it still sits around the medium-bodied mark. Acidity is at ease within the wine. Actually, it’s more than a little creamy. Silty drinking chocolate tannin sees it out. Savoury and sweet flavours are neatly intertwined. 93 Very Good
Region: Hunter Valley
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $37
Tasted: January 2013
Just having a glass of this now. It’s… pretty good actually. Definitely liking the vibrancy of the fruit. Oak seems pretty well integrated. Fair bit of acid. I don’t drink much Hunter Shiraz . That may have been a mistake.
When they’re good, they’re very good indeed. Looking forward to the 2013s from Mount Pleasant, De Iuliis, Tyrrell’s and Thomas Wines.