2006 Hewitson Ned & Henry Shiraz & Mourvèdre, Barossa Valley (Stelvin)

The rationale behind the creation of this wine was Dean Hewitson’s desire to produce something which was drinkable young but which evoked the character of the Barossa Valley and yet remained true to his wine-making philosophy, namely to retain ripe tannins, exercise restrained use of oak and to have great purity of fruit expression. The grapes which produce this cuvee are grown on classic terra rossa sites, red soil over limestone, and , like all Dean’s wines, are dry-grown. Yields are low and the result is a concentrated, powerful wine which nevertheless lacks nothing in terms of balance. The wine is partly fermented and then aged for 15 months in new French oak, and a little Mourvedre is added to the blend to impart a little more backbone, tannin and acidity. The finished wine displays gorgeous aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate, with hints of black pepper and clove. On the palate it is rich, complex and mouth-filling with engaging spicy hints and a long, powerful finish.
(Alun Griffiths MW, BBR Wine Director)