James Halliday: 97
Full but clear purple-crimson; as ever, an imperious wine, its power so relaxed you might walk by without stopping to gawk; blackberry, licorice and leather are sheathed in quality oak, the tannins exceptionally fine, but perfectly balanced; '11 was a very good Hunter Valley vintage.


From the Winery:
With no release in 2010, we welcome back the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, our 28th release. The 2010 calendar year ended at just over 900mm, with the wettest month being November at 156mm. The valley experienced a cool, dry December and January 2011 followed suit with only one day above 40C on the 2nd January. Further hot weather struck around Australia Day and there was some leaf burn. In a bizarre twist, the Hunter Valley was irrigating madly while most of Australia was under water. Red harvest commenced on the 2nd of February and was complete on the 6th of the same month.
Vinification
All hand picked fruit and processing started with a 4 day cold soak then 4-5 day ferment at 26 to 28C. Three tonne open fermenters used enabling hand plunging twice per day. Pressed off and run to oak and the malolactic fermentation in barrel. For this wine 100% French, including 10% larger format (300L) puncheons, approximately 40% new of the total oak.