2022 Brokenwood Shiraz Half Bottle 375ml, Hunter Valley

It is a signature wine for Brokenwood and a textbook example of how irresistible Hunter Valley shiraz can be. Made from grapes off the younger vines of the Graveyard vineyard and blended with declassified wine from the older vines. The wine is beautifully supple with red plum, crushed mulberries, and glorious licorice accents. It traverses the boundary between modern and classic and has so much sass that you'll find it impossible to resist.

96 points Special Value Toni Paterson MW winecompanion.com.au

The Shiraz from Brokenwood, a legendary winery in the Hunter Valley, is a true icon of Australian wine. Founded in 1970 by James Halliday and Ian Riggs, Brokenwood has built a reputation for producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley, a region known for its rich history and ideal climate for Shiraz production. With over five decades of winemaking experience, Ian Riggs, the winery's chief winemaker, has been instrumental in crafting wines that showcase the best of the region, while maintaining a focus on quality, consistency, and terroir-driven expression.

The vineyards are located in some of the most renowned spots in the Hunter Valley, where the warm days and cool nights provide the perfect growing conditions for Shiraz. The wine is sourced from a combination of estate-grown fruit and carefully selected vineyards that produce small yields of concentrated, high-quality grapes. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled vats, with extended maceration to extract the full flavor profile. The wine is then aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity while complementing the fruit’s natural characteristics.

A deep, rich color with hints of purple. The nose is full of ripe dark fruits, such as blackberries and plums, with subtle spice, a touch of leather, and earthy undertones that speak to the Hunter Valley’s unique terroir. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with velvety tannins and a smooth, balanced acidity that provides freshness. Flavors of dark fruit continue, layered with nuances of black pepper, licorice, and a hint of chocolate, creating a complex and well-rounded mouthfeel. The finish is long, with soft tannins and lingering notes of fruit and spice.

This Shiraz is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats, such as lamb or steak, to hearty pasta dishes or aged cheeses. As one of the Hunter Valley’s flagship wines, it also has excellent aging potential, allowing it to develop even more complexity with time.