Brokenwood Mistress Block Vineyard Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023

As someone who has woken up next to the Mistress Block, I can confirm that it is a beautiful site, especially with a little mist (and before the mind heads down inappropriate alleys, it neighbours some very fine Hunter accommodation). The dark loam soils imbue the wines from here with more chocolatey notes than most Hunter sites and the vines are now around forty years of age. The maturation is in 100% French oak, but anything new is avoided. The fruit in this vintage was not harvested from the vineyard until 18^th February, by which time most Hunter growers are already relaxing on the beach with a mojito. Crimson maroon hue, the nose gives us truffles, warm earth, coffee grinds, cherries, aromas like an Asian spice shop and dry herbs. There is good focus here, and impressive intensity, with a very long finish. Finely balanced, the tannins are ever-so-silky. On the palate, the cassis and cherry notes really come to the fore. This will drink beautifully for the next ten to fifteen years.