Description
The Shriaz vines at Glenguin were taken as cuttings from some of the oldest blocks in the Hunter Valley and can be traced back to the original plantings by James Busby at Kirkton in the early 1830s. Those cuttings were taken originally from the hill of Hermitage in France, giving our vines a link to the spiritual home of Syrah.
The 2014 Stonybroke is punctuated by a distinct lack of oak – we only use it sparingly towards the end of fermentation. To give the wine a bit of a tannic kick along a small portion of Tannat grapes are co-fermented with the Shiraz, the resulting wine taking on a deeper colour and complexity, although the palate is red fruits and hallmark Hunter.
Very low yielding vines with all manual labour in the vineyard and viticultural conditions that were as close to perfect as any vintage has been. This wine has the depth, power and concentration that will see it live for twenty to thirty years, and possibly longer – which, for a sub-$30 wine, is virtually unheard of.
“Striking juicy freshness to the array of red and black fruits; while only just medium-bodied, the palate has compelling length and freshness.” 95 points, to 2044, 2017 James Halliday Wine Companion
“It’s a powerful expression of Hunter shiraz but it’s not an over-ripe or over-done one. Everything would indicate that this has a fine future ahead.” 93+ points, to 2032+, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
Bill Cole –
The wine iis a seductive blend of old and new world characteristics which coeate a very satisfying drinking experience. The wine evolves beautifully in the glass, initially suggesting immaturity with its fruit and bright alcohol. This is progressively replaced with deep complex flavours and increasing integration. Decanting would have got the wine “there” quicker but the journey was not to be missed. This wine is an important addition to any cellar.