Shiraz 2023 - Marathon Deal #61030

Hunter Valley at its absolute best. The vintage conditions were near perfect. Abundant spring rain provided great soil moisture heading into the dry summer months, while the harvest period was stress-free without adverse conditions. And here's the result - an exceptional Hunter Valley vintage that produced well-balanced, complex wines with remarkable fruit purity. Hand harvested on 20 February at the coldest part of the day, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks before nine months maturation in a single four-year-old French oak cask, then five more months in puncheons. The winemaking respects both the fruit and the vineyard's reputation. Huon Hooke awarded this 95 points, calling it "outstanding wine" with "intensity, concentration and drive, but not at the expense of elegance." Bright red with purple hues, sweet red fruit aromatics highlighted with cranberry, velvety tannins coating the palate with directional dark cherry and a clean, neat finish.