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The Trophy winning 2005 Hugo McLaren Vale Shiraz was captivating and one of my firm favourites. I was, along with all the tasting here at WBW taken aback on tasting this new vintage. This sensational little 2006 vintage number is often forgotten by most wine sellers. We have sold pallets from these guys due to it's volumes of rich mid pallet plum, dark summer laden raspberry and bold black pepper with light toasty nut oak with hints of yummy chock/mocha. A rich dense palate awaits chock full of really forward berry fruits supported by stylishly, structured dusty tannins presenting a full-bodied, well balanced wine. The use of new, one and two year old American oak assists the integration of the fruit and tannin components. Blackberry and raspberry flavours combine with an engaging spicy, pepper and chocolate éclair elements. Their tasting notes go on to recommend it be complimented with: Caper and garlic leg of lamb or Pork schnitzel with red cabbage and apple salad. I think you should enjoy the wine multiple times with friends and family and be contemplative of the good things in life less than $20- Hugo Wines is situated in the McLaren Vale wine region which continues to build on its reputation as a source of quality wines not only from the big national labels but also from some of the smaller boutique wineries. Such recognition has been awarded to Hugo Wines whose origins date back to 1970 when John Hugo followed in his father's footsteps on the family vineyard at McLaren Flat. John produced his first Shiraz in 1979 and the Cellar Door was opened in October 1982. John's father Colin Hugo planted the original vines dating back to 1950. The vineyard of approximately 30 hectares includes varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Grenache. Consistency in regard to quality is what Hugo Wines' strive for, and the fact that all of the fruit is estate grown makes the job that much easier. The climate soils and proximity to the coast are also contributing factors in maintaining the quality of the wines produced by the Hugo family. Over the past 25 years Hugo Wines has received many Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. The Reserve Shiraz is made from the oldest dry grown Shiraz vines on the property. When the old vine Shiraz grapes are processed the wine is kept sperate, and barrel fermented in new American and French oak hogsheads that have been seasoned for two years. The decision to bottle that wine under the Reserve Label is not made until the finished product is assessed. Hugo Wines produced their first Reserve Shiraz in 1998, for which the most prestigious award received was "Gold" at the 2001 Boutique Wines of Australia, Category 10, Shiraz.
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