Image 1 of 1
Reviews
"Could anywhere else on the planet provide a wine which is a blend of two varieties, both of which date back to 1853, in their own way. A 50/50 split between Mourvedre and Shiraz, the Mourvedre hails from the Old Garden Vineyard, with the vines planted back in 1853. The Shiraz is from the Monopole Vineyard, which was propagated from an original 1853 vine, which came from the Old Garden Vineyard. Fermentation sees the use of 75% whole bunches and maturation is in new French oak barriques for a year and a half. The team then select a barrel, their best, of each for blending. Under cork. As one might expect, from the superb 2022 vintage, this is special. Black/maroon in hue, the nose reveals notes of aniseed, chocolate, vanilla, plums, licorice, mocha and blackberries. There is good oak integration and the wine still offers a touch of toastiness. The palate sees cloves and black fruits emerging. Big, bold, powerful and yet so silky and ethereal, there is great length here, immaculate balance and tannins so seductively alluring that they are almost invisible. A stunning Barossa blend, this it will drink beautifully for the next fifteen to twenty-five years. Majestic. 98 Points." - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
"The captivating bouquet reveals dark-fruit intensity, charcuterie, tapenade, rich floral, and assorted nut aromas, leading to a powerful and sumptuous palate packed with ripe fruit flavours and savoury nuances. It's superbly structured with layers of grainy tannins, making it bold and sturdy, yet with harmony and finesse. It's flatteringly classy. 98 Points." - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
"A 50-50 blend of the best barrel of Monopole Mother Vine shiraz and Old Garden Vineyard mourvèdre. A true seamless beauty which is all the more impressive when you realise that the 2022 vintage in the Barossa was a little challenging, coming after a record rainfall in 2021 and was mostly on the cooler side. The result is a medium-bodied, fine-tannin-ed wine where the fruit and spice move warmly, easily and long. Fruits range from the red and blue berried to the dark and the spices sing with star anise, chocolate and hints of gingerbread. Dressed in polished tannins, it arrives as one harmonious whole. 97 Points." - Jeni Port, Wine Pilot
"(a 50/50 blend) Very deep, dark red with a good rim of purple; there are very complex and charming aromas of blackberry, violet, earthy/terracotta notes and subtle spices. Licorice and tar. A touch of preserved plum. The wine is full bodied and deep but also preserves a modicum of elegance, of balance, and will age long term but also be approachable fairly early. A ripping red blend. 96 Points." - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
"A highly specialised blend and release from Dean Hewitson, choosing one best barrel from each of his treasured Monopole Mother Vine Shiraz vineyard in the central Barossan Dorrien district, and the Old Garden Mourvedre plot in Rowland Flat, both with 1853 heritage in their veins. There’s an inherent, worldly sophistication to this wine from the outset, a bunch of bouquet garni, a mortar of ground Middle Eastern spices, French oak woodiness with perhaps a seam of whole bunch, woven into a core of crimson plum and cherry fruit, alive and fresh, even with its decent wrap of very smart oak and perky tannins with just the right amount of lipsmack and chew. A moment of rarity and a touch of genuine class. 96 Points." - Tony Love, Wine Pilot
"From the best barrels of the Old Garden Mourvèdre and Monopole Shiraz sourced from a 172 year old vineyard. A profound aroma: Christmas pudding, paper reams, cassis, black peppercorns, ink, coffee syrup, kirsch, cedar and vanilla bean paste. A wine of focus and depth. It could so easily be opulent and broad, but the quality old vine fruit provides an intensity and elegance. The tannins are muscular, yet lithe and supportive of a long, long flavourful tail. A unique wine and rare experience. 96 Points." - Regan Drew, Wine Pilot
"Old school blend of Shiraz and Mourvèdre with the expected ripe black plum nose, plum compote, liquorice and very ripe mulberry. There is an intense density that draws you into the glass. This is a full bodied style that will age in the bottle over time, but for now the sweet baking spiced oak adds structure and the expansive chewy tannins offer ripe persistence along palate. There is a core of fruit, damson plum, licorice and exotic spice that adds a mouthful layered oak, fruit weight and tannins. This is well made with an attention to detail, a wine that is not over the top . Yes,it's big but it’s held together with power and pedigree. An iconic style paying homage to Australian wine history. 92 Points." - Annette Lacey MW, Wine Pilot