2023 Hewitson Ned & Henry's Shiraz, Barossa Valley

The '23 Ned & Henry's is an instantly appealing wine. A vibrant magenta/crimson in the glass. Smells juicy and pure, with fruit aromas of satsuma plum, boysenberry and blueberry. There are hints of exotic spice, fruit-and-nut chocolate, crushed rock, vanilla bean, peppercorn and olive tapenade. Sweetly fruited, with a pure swell of fruit, fine-grained tannin and a bright line. Savoury on the exit, with some light herbal notes in the background.

92 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Hewitson Ned & Henry’s Shiraz from the Barossa Valley is a classic example of Barossa generosity balanced with modern polish and freshness. Dean Hewitson, a winemaker celebrated for his thoughtful approach and deep understanding of old-vine Barossa fruit, named this wine after his sons, Ned and Henry, capturing both strength and liveliness in its character. It’s a wine that represents the heart of the region — rich, expressive and full of personality — while maintaining an elegance that makes it one of the most consistent and best-value Barossa Shiraz releases year after year.

The fruit comes from low-yielding vineyards around Ebenezer and Seppeltsfield, areas famous for their deep red-brown loam and clay soils over limestone, which deliver power and density without heaviness. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in small open-top vats with gentle plunging to ensure vibrant colour and supple tannins. The wine is then matured for about 15 months in a mix of French and American oak, carefully balanced to add spice and structure while preserving the purity of fruit.

In the glass, it displays a deep crimson hue with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum and dark cherry, interwoven with hints of cocoa, clove, licorice and a touch of smoky oak. The palate is full and velvety, offering luscious dark fruit layered with chocolate, pepper and earthy spice. Tannins are firm yet polished, leading to a long, warming finish that showcases both Barossa power and Hewitson’s signature finesse.

It’s a wonderful wine for hearty food pairings. Enjoy it with roast beef, lamb shanks, grilled kangaroo or mushroom ragù. It also works beautifully with strong, aged cheeses or smoky barbecue dishes. While approachable in its youth for its juicy fruit and softness, it will develop further complexity and savoury depth over eight to ten years in the cellar.