Brokenwood Vegas Block Shiraz 2019

Another piece of the Graveyard vineyard, this time named the Vegas block thanks to having been replanted a couple of times over the last 35 years.

The Brokenwood team are using it for a little experimentation, with splashes of pinot noir and trebbiano in the blend, and at this early stage the pinot noir is on show with fragrant dark cherry fruits but also with classic Hunter leather, baked earth and oak in the background too. Trebbiano is having a surprising influence, tightening up the aromatics giving great purity and focus to the fruit. In the mouth it becomes fleshy – leathery dark berry fruits are driven to a long finish by tangy trebbiano acidity. It it super youthful and balanced but really needs some years to hits it stride. It will be fascinating to see where this wine sits in ten years – delicious yes and potentially outstanding.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher