2004 Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz
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Variety: Shiraz
Region: Hunter Valley - NSW
Winemakers' Comments
Winter of 2002 mirrored that of 2001 with only 18 days of rain, bringing a miserly 121mm of rain (compared to 230mm in 2001). It is somewhat of a contradiction that our main irrigation period is in winter to build up the subsoil moisture before budburst. The spring and early summer stayed hot & dry, with extensive bushfires through early December. At one stage the entire Brokenback Range was alight forming an impressive, if eerie, backdrop. January & February continued dry resulting in one of the smallest Hunter Valley yields in a long time. With further barrel selection, a very small 2003 production of the Graveyard Shiraz, but a wine of great concentration.
Vinification
Four-day cold soak, five day ferment with hand plunging two times per day in small 2 tonne fermenters, then run off to oak. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels - 80% French & 20% American, with about 80% new.
Tasting Notes
Excellent colour with youthful tints. First impression is of a muscly/brawny Hunter Shiraz. For those who follow the Graveyards, 1991 springs immediately to mind. The difference being that wine was predominantly American oak to the 2003 being French. Charry briar wood, clove and red cherry. Background oak - some vanillin evident. Good weight to the palate, initially firm tannins but then red berry and spice flavours. Excellent structure that has earthy, briary, savoury characters and grape/oak tannins. Developed characters should start to appear around the seven-year mark.
Food
Osso Bucco
Technical Data
Alcohol: 13.5% v/v |
Acidity: 6.7 g/L |
pH: 3.47 | Residual Sugar: Nil g/L
Availability: 750ml
Recommended Retail Price: A$120.00
Our wines are now sealed with screw cap to guarantee quality and consistency.
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