Hobbs Tin Lids Aria Secca 2023

This is a wine which will appeal to two (undoubtedly overlapping) groups – wine geeks and winelovers. It is a delicious drink, but what will fascinate the geeks (and I do not use that term pejoratively in any sense, as I consider myself a fully paid up member), is that it is an appassimento style Shiraz (think Amarone). The handpicked grapes are laid out over racks to allow them to (semi) dry – different timing to the extent of the drying every year – and thereby concentrate the sugars within the grape and intensify the flavours. Wild fermentation and daily hand-plunging are used. The result is a lovely and rather exotic style, absolutely chock full of flavour. A crimson magenta hue, though it really is very dark, the wine is big and bold exhibiting cassis, mulberries, chocolate and black fruits, with a touch of earth and graphite swirling throughout. Despite the obvious plushness, there is a line of fine acidity and good freshness. Indeed, it is a surprise as to just how delightfully fresh the wine is. Silky tannins are found on the persistent finish. A wine with a future – at least six to eight years. Delicious. Don’t miss it.