Mount Eyre Vineyards Three Ponds Hunter Valley Holman Shiraz 2014

An aged, nine-year-old Hunter shiraz which shows the confidence of the owners in not only the classic red grape of the Hunter but the region itself. We don’t see enough aged Hunter shiraz and are the lesser for it. What’s more, the 2014 vintage offered perfect ripening conditions and was considered one of the best in decades. So, what we see in the glass offers a glimpse into that perfection now exhibiting more savoury and developed notes than it probably did initially. Earth, leather, briar – very Hunter – combines with black fruits, woodsy spices in cassia bark and nutmeg with chocolate. Layers of smoky, toasty oak bring added complexity. Tannins keep things fresh and alive as it enters its first decade. It’s got time on its side and there could very well be a second decade in it yet.