I’m a little behind getting out a review of the initial Shiraz release of this joint label from Australian Formula 1 racing car driver Daniel Ricciardo and the St Hugo team. Winemaker Peter Munro has said that he will “share with (Daniel) the tricks of the winemaking trade including vineyard practices, winemaking techniques, maturation and blending.” While St Hugo is expecting Ricciardo’s involvement in the label and process “will increase each year as his knowledge and experience in the wine industry builds.” It’s unclear if Daniel will be joining the winemaking team fulltime sooner rather than later! Presented in a fine display box and bottled under cork.

St Hugo, DR3, Shiraz, Barossa Valley, 2014

Interesting, the first standalone St Hugo Shiraz release was the 2013 and that was some years ago now, so one has to think that this has been sitting patiently for a project such as this.  Big, charry and powerful Barossa dark fruit flavours with cedary and vanilla oak like a big quilt and some peppery seasoning. There’s a base of tarry bitumen giving a grounding along with veins of meaty/umami soy maturity. The tannins are solid and starting to integrate well, this is ready to go now.

RRP: $65
Alc: 14.9%
Rating: 18.25/20 (93/100)

Wine sample courtesy of St. Hugo