Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz 2023

There has been a great deal of hype about this latest release of the Graveyard Shiraz, not surprisingly, and it has a string of extremely high scores to its name already. From an excellent vintage for the region, it is almost seen as a fail if this is not considered the very best red from the Hunter Valley region. Mind you, it does have serious competition (Tyrrell’s 4 Acres would be my pick for its closest competitor). The team suggest that it will sit alongside Graveyards like 2018, 2014, 1998 and 1986. If it can be spoken of in the same sentence as 1986 then it will be very special indeed. Maturation was in French oak, 15% of it new. Dark purple with a garnet rim, the nose is full of gorgeous fragrances of red fruits, spices, tobacco leaves, leather, animal skins, cedar, florals and cigar boxes. Think Cohiba Siglo VI and you’re getting somewhere. A wine of balance, length and a seductive texture, it finishes with fine, if slightly furry tannins. No reason this won’t provide pleasure for at least thirty years and over that time, perhaps edge up another point or two.