Description
Our icon wine that is only made when vintage conditions allow the very best fruit to develop. As such, over the last 10 vintages we have only made a shiraz of the quality we demand to be called ‘Aristea’ in 2007, 2009 and 2014.
12 months in French oak with 50% of barrels new, along with 40% whole bunch pressed, is the highlight and as a result we hold it back from release for, on average, five years to allow the oak tannins and the fruit flavours to fully integrate into the wine. The result is a classic aged Hunter Shiraz on release.
There are little hints of that aged Hunter quality – touches of leather and tobacco – but the palate is still dominated by red and dark fruits. This wine has a way to go yet. The tannins are soft, dusty and supple – not overpowering or puckering in any way – quintessentially Hunter.
Best examples of Hunter Shiraz can last thirty, forty, even fifty years and longer. The 2009 Aristea has the balance, weight and power to continue that tradition.
“Excellent colour; settling comfortably into a leather armchair to watch the passing parade of years go by without a ripple.” 95 points, to 2039, 2018 Halliday Wine Companion
“Fistfuls of red and dark fruits, nothing is done by halves here… Medium bodied, spiced plums are finely etched before a deadly smooth finish that rides long albeit a bit dusty. Time will easily be its friend for another two decades.” 94 points, QWine, August 2017
“The palate’s sturdy, ripe and focused, showing plenty of bright red and purple berry fruit flavour, pleasantly grippy tannins, all nice and fine, and handy length. Will age nicely.” 94 points, Nick Stock, Good Food Guide 2013
Best Young Dry Red Wine – 2000 vintage, 2003 NSW Wine Awards
NSW Wine of the Year – 2000 vintage, 2003 NSW Wine Awards
There are no reviews yet.