'BLACK' Shiraz
2017
Shiraz
Hunter Valley, NSW
Super Premium wine only released in the very best Hunter Valley Shiraz vintages.
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2020 James Halliday Wine Companion
A barrel selection from separate batches of the Homestead, Hell Hole, Leonard Estate, Roche and Terracotta Vineyards. Great quality fruit, but severely restricted yields, the final blend only 102 dozen. It's a voluptuous, full-bodied shiraz, with satin and velvet black fruits, picked on (modest) ripeness and soft tannins. The wine is only available at cellar door, and Meerea Park won't be worried if it sells slowly - this is a 50-year proposition.
97
/ 100
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Wine Details
Hunter Valley
2017
Red Wine
Shiraz
13.5%
Screw Cap
BLACK was originally meant to be a one-off commemorative wine, the thinking being 2011 was a fantastic Shiraz vintage which coincided with our 20th vintage release. 2014 came along and made us reconsider. 2014 just had to produce a BLACK and now 2017 has to as well.
The best barrels were selected from our 2017 vintage Shiraz sources, specifically looking for richness and balance, two important hallmarks of quality and ageing ability. The ‘Homestead’, ‘Roche Estate’ and ‘Leonard Estate’ vineyards were the source for this vintage.
The 2017 Hunter Valley vintage will be remembered for the extremely hot days encountered in February, just as the Shiraz crops were ripening. A far cry from the lighter-bodied 2015 and 2016 vintage wines, 2017 is all about flavour and power, attributes of the legendary 1965 vintage.
A very deep but bright crimson in colour. The palate has transcended the typical Hunter Valley medium-bodied style and moved towards being full-bodied and even opulent. Black currant, liquorice, chocolate and dark fruits dominate the nose. The tannins are soft and silky supporting an incredible length of flavour. 102 dozen made.
This wine has all the characteristics that are required for long term cellaring.
Red meat dishes and aged cheeses.
