Hewitson Barrel 1853 Shiraz Mourvèdre 2021 

The barrel 1853 is a 50/50 blend of old Garden Mourvèdre and Monople Shiraz, exclusively from 1853 vines, so I am expecting something colossal. It is a homage to the past with a thick and dense, inky nose with a lot going on. Plum paste, warm earth, brambles and exotic oak spice combine on the palate. Fruit sweet Mourvèdre and the structure of Shiraz meld together. Still a pup but with a vigorous decant you could drink now. The tannins are ripe and the balance of the varieties works really well together. Some youthful chew from the tannins that time will soften but a layered and long, albeit big spicy finish. My only gripe is the bottle weight, would love to see a lot lighter bottle.