2019 Brokenwood Shiraz
Region: Hunter Valley, NSW
Viticulture: Conventional
Winemaker: Stuart Hordern
Established Date: 1970
The Shiraz grapes are sourced solely from the Graveyard Vineyard, being clonal vines planted through the 90s and massale selection from the 1968 plantings, with the oldest at 10 years of age. Part vinomatic and part open top 2-4 tonne fermenters. The latter plunged two times per day. After 5 days, pressed off, with malolactic fermentation conducted in tank. The wine then went into 100% French oak made up of 25% puncheons and overall 25% new oak.
Sommelier’s Recommendation: A very enjoyable, juicy and rich baby Graveyard. It screams of fruits and body with a deep color and fine tannins. Lovely to be paired with succulent mains, such as duck, veal and beef. Can drink now, but will benefit from cellaring.
Established in 1970, Brokenwood Wines has evolved from a weekend venture for self-professed hobby winemakers into one of Australia’s most reputable wine labels. It was a labour of love for the partners, and the friends and family they conscripted to help who were seduced by the promise of clean country air, fine wine, food and company in exchange for help on the vineyard. Everyone pitched in to pick the grapes which were carried to the winery in buckets in the back seat of Len Evans’ Bentley. Weary bodies were put up in dorm-style accommodation which still remains today.
Growth was steady until the boom of 1978, when six new partners joined, allowing the purchase of the next door Graveyard Vineyard. Originally destined to be a cemetery for the Parish of Pokolbin, it was never used as such and instead planted with Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon.
Growth was steady until the boom of 1978, when six new partners joined, allowing the purchase of the next door Graveyard Vineyard. Originally destined to be a cemetery for the Parish of Pokolbin, it was never used as such and instead planted with Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon.
