Freycinet Vineyard Shiraz 2018 6 x 750ml Hop Vine & Still

Discover the Freycinet Vineyard Shiraz 2018, an exceptional cool-climate Shiraz from Tasmania with 95 points from Halliday Wine Companion. Bursting with blackberries, plums, and pepper, this wine offers a rich, complex palate and a long, rewarding cellaring potential.

Key Information and Highlights:

• Region: Tasmania, Australia
• Variety: Shiraz
• Vintage: 2018
• Vine Age: Planted in late 1990s, 2014, and 2019
• Vineyard: Coombend Vineyard
• Flavour Profile: Blackberries, satsuma plums, black cherries, black pepper, dark chocolate, woody herbs, subtle meatiness
• Critic Score: 95 points – Tyson Stelzer, Halliday Wine Companion
• Awards: Gold – ANZ Boutique Wine Show
• Best Paired With: Grilled meats, spiced lamb, charcuterie, aged cheeses
• Cellaring Potential: Now to 2043

Producer Background: Freycinet Vineyard, situated on Tasmania’s East Coast, has been producing premium wines since 1979. While renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Shiraz has emerged as an exciting addition to their portfolio. The vineyard’s Shiraz production began in 2013 following the acquisition of the neighbouring Coombend Vineyard, which included mature Shiraz vines dating back to the late 1990s. With meticulous vineyard management and a commitment to showcasing the unique cool-climate characteristics of Tasmania, Freycinet’s Shiraz stands out as a medium-bodied, spicy, and peppery wine that rivals the great Syrahs of the Rhone Valley.

Flavour Profile:

• Appearance: Deep garnet with a rich, vibrant hue.
• Nose: Intense aromas of blackberries, satsuma plums, and black cherries, layered with prominent black pepper, dark chocolate, and hints of woody herbs and subtle meatiness.
• Palate: The palate is rich and complex, offering wave after wave of black fruits, accented by spicy black pepper and fine French oak. The tannins are silky yet confident, providing a solid structure, while the taut acidity ensures a long, clean finish. The wine’s depth and power are balanced by a nuanced complexity that will only improve with age.
• Conclusion: A finely crafted cool-climate Shiraz with all the hallmarks of a long-lived wine. This 2018 vintage showcases the richness and spice characteristic of a warm season, making it an excellent candidate for cellaring over the next 15-20 years.

Inspiring Food Pairing Ideas: Pair this Shiraz with grilled meats such as beef or lamb, where the wine’s bold flavours and peppery notes can shine. It also complements spiced lamb dishes, charcuterie, and aged cheeses like cheddar or Gouda. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with venison or rich, slow-cooked stews.

Cellaring Potential: Enjoy this Shiraz now for its vibrant fruit and spice, or cellar it for 15-20 years to experience its evolution into a more complex, nuanced wine with layers of tertiary flavours like leather, earth, and aged spice. Drink by 2043 for optimal enjoyment.