Thomas Wines DJV Shiraz 2013

This is Thommo's tribute to Hunter River Burgundy and as he says, "It's the most exciting wine in the range." Formally coming from the Ben Ean site, the DJV Shiraz fruit now comes off a Hermitage Road vineyard which was planted in 1966. The lighter sandy soils produce fruit which is not as dense and the use of older oak (5-6 years) ensures the fruit does all the talking.

Much leaner than its siblings, there's a very good reason for this. Weighing in at 12.8% alcohol, the Shiraz is co-fermented with 11% Semillon verjuice. Deliberately made to be more of a food friendly wine, the verjuice (15g/L acid) brings a brightness to the wine whilst also adding some phenolics.

Bright red fruits with hints of rhubarb, there's a steminess about it courtesy of one third whole bunches. But this character fades with time in the glass.

The fruit is super smooth, there's a dash of pepper and a baking type spice bobs up. Hunter earth slowly reveals itself. The acid is alive. Crunchy even - thank the Semillon for that. Puckering tannins see out the ride home which just sits long. Real long. A sign of quality right there.

Drink now to eight years. A Pinot fan's type of Shiraz. Where's the duck?

Very good+

Region: Hunter Valley
RRP: $30
Source: Sample

www.thomaswines.com.au

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