2023 The Mad Hatter Shiraz
Mad Hatter is not a reference to Alice in Wonderland, rather it is the nickname Dean Hewitson's closest friends have called him for many years. And why mad? Anyone who has spent more than five minutes with Hewitson will surely be able to explain. Wine with breeding-responsive, evolutionary winemaking that's never locked into a formula. A blend of Shiraz, chosen from premium parcels of fruit each year to best express the quality of vintage.
TASTING NOTE
Mad Hatter is not a reference to Alice in Wonderland, rather it is the nickname Dean Hewitson's closest friends have called him for many years. And why mad? Anyone who has spent more than five minutes with Hewitson will surely be able to explain. Wine with breeding-responsive, evolutionary winemaking that's never locked into a formula. A blend of Shiraz, chosen from premium parcels of fruit each year to best express the quality of vintage.
TASTING NOTE
Mad Hatter is not a reference to Alice in Wonderland, rather it is the nickname Dean Hewitson's closest friends have called him for many years. And why mad? Anyone who has spent more than five minutes with Hewitson will surely be able to explain. Wine with breeding-responsive, evolutionary winemaking that's never locked into a formula. A blend of Shiraz, chosen from premium parcels of fruit each year to best express the quality of vintage.
TASTING NOTE
Reviews
"In case you’re wondering, the Mad Hatter is a name Hewitson’s friends have bestowed on him – nothing more need be said. Comes from a selection of parcels all designed to contribute to a wine that captures the flavour generosity of the Barossa with just that little bit of polish and flourish. Savoury and slightly spicy bright fruit flavours with a little chocolate and mocha adding richness and palate complexity. Has a chalky fine tannin contribution and precisely applied oak of varying ages. Excellent. 95 Points” - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
"Beautiful Barossa shiraz, brimming with aromas of juicy berry fruit: blueberries, black plums and black cherries, and Cherry Ripe bars with the hints of vanilla and cocoa. The palate is full-bodied and bold with ripe fruit taking centre stage, and oak in the background as a light cedar frame allowing the fruit to shine through mid-picture. Velvety, integrated tannins round it all out. This is delicious glass of wine, balanced and complex, just perfect for when there’s a blizzard howling outside the back door and a meaty dish slow roasting in the oven. 95 Points” - Melissa Moore, Wine Pilot
"Forget visions of Alice disappearing down rabbit holes, this is labelled after Dean’s nickname. A blend of the best of what the Barossa has to offer. A superb Barossa Shiraz from an exciting vintage. The wine has a dark maroon hue. There is good concentration from start to finish with notes of blackberries, aniseed, mulberries, smoked meats, soy, beefstock, dark berries, coffee grinds and dried herbs. There is serious length here, through to fine rather sleek tannins, and a fine line of juicy acidity. This has ten to fifteen years ahead of it and will continue to improve over that time. 94 Points” - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
“It's splendidly expressed and inviting, showcasing Black Doris plum, raspberry, floral, clove, and assorted nut characters, leading to a silky-smooth palate that offers juicy fruit intensity and an expansive mouthfeel. Tannins are well-integrated, making the wine structured and stylish. At its best: now to 2036.. 94 Points” - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
“Very deep red-purple colour; lifted white and black pepper and spice aromas over meaty and dark berry aromas, the palate vibrant with fresh with berry and spice flavours, a note of bresaola and good intensity of flavour that runs long and balanced, accompanied by supple and persuasive tannins. Spot-on ripeness. Very smart shiraz. 94 Points” - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“Recognisably, reassuringly, Barossa from the first scent of lifted Aussie bush notes, earth and bay leaf matched to ripe black fruits, anise and woody oak spice. The ’23 vintage was a tough one, wet and cool, so it is definitely reassuring to see The Mad Hatter in fine form with its usual mix of engaging warmth and concentrated flavour. The palate rolls out with depth, well-integrated, smooth and textural. Sweet fruited with briar, earth, chocolate and a dash of dried herbs and sage across the middle palate and you have some enjoyable drinking now with the added bonus of also hanging on to it for a while. Hard choice. 92 Points” - Jeni Port, Wine Pilot