Hewitson Monopole Shiraz 2021

There’s history here, a lot of history to work through as you taste. Buds from a Shiraz vine planted in 1853 were harvested and grafted on to 30- year-old rootstock in the Monopole Vineyard at Dorrien in the Barossa Valley. The maker believes it has “resurrected” an ancient pre-phylloxera clone of Shiraz. What we taste is definitely rich, concentrated and essentially Barossa in tone and flavour, very much in the bold Aussie Shiraz character. Fragrant in black fruits, cassis, black liquorice, balsamic and deep woodsy spices. An unctuous and richly layered palate awaits, warm and textural, brimming in fleshy, ripe sweet fruit and soft easy tannins that become firm and dry to close. Some savoury, smoked goods and pan forte notes add yet another few layers of sensory interest. A big impact red wine and one to be enjoyed with food, not solo.