The Brokenwood Graveyard Hunter Valley Shiraz has long been recognised for its quality and history, but in a region that can present tricky conditions, the truly great vintages stand out. Last year’s 2018 vintage release took out our 2021 Halliday Wine Companion Wine of the Year. James described it as “supple, perfectly balanced, a pure expression of a quirky vineyard that has been the work of winemaker Iain Riggs for four decades.” Iain, alongside Brokenwood winemakers Stuart Hordern and Kate Sturgess are responsible for the newly released 2019 Graveyard, which is now available for purchase.
The 2019 vintage marked the rare joy of three consecutive dry vintages for Hunter Valley winemakers. “The old vines of Graveyard were harvested in the second week of February in pristine condition. It was an effortless, high quality vintage,” says Senior winemaker Stuart Hordern. “The Graveyard Vineyard is planted on a gentle easterly facing slope, on heavy clay soil. It requires gentle cajoling by the vineyard team, led by Kat Barry.”
“Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz always has a slightly darker fruit profile with concentration balanced by a fine tannin structure,” says Stuart. “[in comparison to the 2018] the 2019 vintage has hallmarks of a perfumed nose with tannin structure and direction. It is a wine that displays both the power and elegance for which the Graveyard Vineyard is synonymous.”
2019 Brokenwood The Graveyard Shiraz
Bright mid-density colour with purple hues. The use of large format French oak allows the red spice and bramble fruit of Hunter shiraz to shine. Initial palate is very supple and complete, giving a lovely flow from start to finish. An impressive wine, which is a great follow on from the 2018 vintage. Subtle but powerful. RRP $350.
Pictured from left to right: Stuart Hordern, Kate Sturgess and Iain Riggs.
The 2019 vintage marked the rare joy of three consecutive dry vintages for Hunter Valley winemakers. “The old vines of Graveyard were harvested in the second week of February in pristine condition. It was an effortless, high quality vintage,” says Senior winemaker Stuart Hordern. “The Graveyard Vineyard is planted on a gentle easterly facing slope, on heavy clay soil. It requires gentle cajoling by the vineyard team, led by Kat Barry.”
“Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz always has a slightly darker fruit profile with concentration balanced by a fine tannin structure,” says Stuart. “[in comparison to the 2018] the 2019 vintage has hallmarks of a perfumed nose with tannin structure and direction. It is a wine that displays both the power and elegance for which the Graveyard Vineyard is synonymous.”
2019 Brokenwood The Graveyard Shiraz
Bright mid-density colour with purple hues. The use of large format French oak allows the red spice and bramble fruit of Hunter shiraz to shine. Initial palate is very supple and complete, giving a lovely flow from start to finish. An impressive wine, which is a great follow on from the 2018 vintage. Subtle but powerful. RRP $350.
To find out more about the 2019 Brokenwood shiraz – and to order your bottle – click here.