Quite simply labelled as “Shiraz,” this is known as Brokenwood’s “Area Blend” and not purely from the spiritual home of the Hunter Valley.

Brokenwood, Shiraz, Hunter Valley/McLaren Vale/ Wrattonbully, 2012*

This wine is the vinous equivalent of the team that is the Brokenwood vintage “Cru.” That is, mostly Hunter Valley based, but good quality compatriots from all over, joining forces for good times and great wine.  Dollops of salted choc oak (French and American) cushion out the obvious plump fruit: all of the plums and dark raspberries. Just when you think this is all McLaren Vale/Wrattonbully red and black fruits, the grainy, tight Hunter fruit reins it all in, with violets and molasses sweet/leathery. This will cellar, but the composition is fun for right now.

*Brokenwood have just rolled onto the 2013 Vintage, no Wrattonbully mentioned though.

RRP: $35

Alc: 14%

Wine sample courtesy of Brokenwood