Hewitson Barrel 1853 Shiraz Mourvèdre 2022
- 98
- $450
- Drink by: 2026-2051
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Could anywhere else on the planet provide a wine which is a blend of two varieties, both of which date back to 1853, in their own way. A 50/50 split between Mourvèdre and Shiraz, the Mourvèdre hails from the Old Garden Vineyard, with the vines planted back in 1853. The Shiraz is from the Monopole Vineyard, which was propagated from an original 1853 vine, which came from the Old Garden Vineyard. Fermentation sees the use of 75% whole bunches and maturation is in new French oak barriques for a year and a half. The team then select a barrel, their best, of each for blending. Under cork. As one might expect, from the superb 2022 vintage, this is special. Black/maroon in hue, the nose reveals notes of aniseed, chocolate, vanilla, plums, licorice, mocha and blackberries. There is good oak integration and the wine still offers a touch of toastiness. The palate sees cloves and black fruits emerging. Big, bold, powerful and yet so silky and ethereal, there is great length here, immaculate balance and tannins so seductively alluring that they are almost invisible. A stunning Barossa blend, this it will drink beautifully for the next fifteen to twenty-five years. Majestic.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
