The Next Generation Hunter Valley lads hit Brisvenice next month on May the 3rd. You can get tickets here and enter a competition to win flights to Melbourne, accommodation for two and tickets to the final pop up bar on the 17th of May on their Facebook page here. Disclaimer: Yes, I have free tickets and a couple of these guys send me samples for review – but I’ve made the decision to promote it on this site because I want to see more Hunter Shiraz and Semillon on Queensland retail shelves. Simple as that.
The Sweetwater Vineyard always produces Shiraz big on florals and this release is no exception. Violets and blue flowers provide plenty of perfume and a feminine edge to the luscious purple and black fruits. There’s a grind of pepper, some coffee oak and a lick of varnish at play as well. It’s velvety in the mouth with soft, grainy tannin and integrated acidity. Perhaps some latent regional earth. Just above medium-bodied. A deluxe wine that slips down easily and lingers long. 92 Very Good
Region: Hunter Valley
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: April 2013
Your note and rating spot on. I usually love Sweetwater (usually my favourite Thomas red on release) and am in the 94-point-ish space. This seems somewhat different compared to the previous 3 releases. And this doesn’t quite carry its alcohol as well as usual (note that 2010 was the same ABV). I thought it obscured the texture. A bit too glossy and slippery for me. Also got the varnish on the nose! Wife liked it a bit more than I – more like 93 for her.
How’s that DJV?
MichaelC
It’s hardly a disappointment is it, but I concur. I’ve preferred previous vintages of the Sweetwater and rate it highly as a wine in general. Found the perceived volatility a bit off-putting. Still ordered two to flesh out four Kiss Shirazes. And yes, a touch more warmth and slipperiness. I suspect I’ll end up drinking them earlier than recent Sweetwaters. I’m just about to open the 2011 DJV now. Thommo’s in Brisbane tonight so I’ll have a chance to quiz him about it. Hopefully have a review up on the weekend.
Interested to hear what he says if you can report back. You get this with single vineyard wines. It’s part of the deal.
Also think an earlier drinker. I’ve 4 of each of the previous vintages, but I think I’ll only cellar 2 of this and drink another soon (I ordered 4 each of the Sweetwater, DJV and Kiss).
MichaelC
He reckons perceived VA might be an oak thing. I’ve got another sample here so I’ll crack it soon and revisit. Didn’t like the DJV this year. Too much Semillon verjuice I think. Lemon cola character, astringent acid. Note coming soon.
Oh dear. I have 4. Thought 12% Semillon verjuice was getting a bit out-there! Time to have a look.
The 2013 Thomas Braemore Semillon looked sensational though. Instant case buy on release I suspect.