Hewitson The Ancients Shiraz 2020

Another cracking Barossa Shiraz from Dean and his team – that refrain is becoming a bit like a broken record, but a good one. Old vines with the grapes being a mix of whole berry and crushed. Cold soaking for a week and then three more on skins, before the best part of two years in seasoned French oak barriques. Deep, dark maroon. This wine is seriously dense with great concentration. We have that traditional chocolate with cloves, black fruits, leather and blackcurrants. Licorice and black olives emerge on the palate and, while dense, it retains poise throughout and offers serious length. A great example of a powerful Barossa Shiraz and it will be a huge hit for those CBD businessmen lunching with steak! It does reflect the vintage, the variety and the region well, but it really does need time. Best to leave it for four to five years and then drink over the following twelve to fifteen.