2017 Brokenwood "Graveyard" Hunter Valley Shiraz

When you think of Shiraz Barossa usually comes to mind first, but Hunter Valley also makes incredible examples. Hunter Valley is most know for Semillon, but there are many incredible old Syrah vines throughout the region. Brokenwood is one of the benchmark estates of the Hunter, and they are a rare producer who can make fantastic reds and whites. Consistently ranked as "Exceptional" by the Langton's Classification, their highest honor, the Graveyard Shiraz is one of Australia's most collectible and ageworthy examples of Shiraz. The Graveyard name is due to the fact that the parcel was originally designated as a cemetery for the local town decades ago, but it was never used and instead planted to vines in 1968. The underlying clay soils provide an extra intensity and weight that balances perfectly with the fresher, more floral style of Shiraz Hunter Valley is known for, and the site is located in a natural amphitheater, creating the perfect micro-climate. Very few bottles make their way to the US, so don't miss this chance to taste one of Australia's icon wines.

94 Points from Erin Larkin of Wine Advocate: "The 2017 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz leads with blood orange and star anise, chinotto, cocoa, coffee grounds, bay leaf and tobacco. It's quite different aromatically to its peers on the table, and I like it for that. It has character and identity. It's on the finer side but packed with interesting flavors. It's a little more exotic, perhaps. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."

94 Points from Josh Raynolds: "Glass-staining violet. Deep, smoke-accented dark fruit preserve, licorice, pipe tobacco, smoked meat and floral aromas are sharpened by a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper. Youthfully taut and focused on entry, offering bitter cherry, blackberry and fruitcake flavors that slowly unfurl with aeration. Firm, gripping tannins frame the persistent finish, which features lingering licorice, olive paste and candied violet notes."