Description
David Hook cut his teeth at legendary Hunter Valley wineries such as Tyrells and Lake’s Folly and after several years as ‘flying’ winemaker in Bordeaux, Spain and the US, he returned home in the ’80s to plant his Pothana Vineyard in Belford, Hunter Valley. The Belford Dome as it is known, is a geological formation of red clay soils overlaying limestone – excellent for reds and interspersed with sandy loams on the creek flats beautifully suited to whites. Natural organic approach in the vineyard (no chemical fertilisers)..
Outstanding quality fruit from vintage 2018 in the Hunter – ripe, full flavoured reds with great colour and tannin structure – another cracking season in The Hunter up there with 2014 and 2017.
From the winemaker: “The 2018 shiraz comes from our Pothana vineyard at Belford. The shiraz vineyard soils have red clay loam with weathered limestone sub soil. The vines are 23 years old, yielding only 2 to 3 tonnes per acre. The wine was aged in older oak barrels for 12 months prior to blending. Hunter shiraz are medium bodied wines showing red berries, spicy fruit and soft mild tannins. The wines have the ability to age more that it’s constitution often suggests. This wine is deep red in colour with purple tinges. The aroma is dominated by sweet berry and spice. The palate is medium bodied, showing fruit richness with peppery undertones. The finish is long soft and supported.”
We love this super fine medium bodied shiraz with gorgeous focus and balance. Red berries, spicy fruit and velvety tannins. The finish is long, framed by lovely ripe tannins. An absolute bargain for this quality. 13% alc
Reviews of 2017
Toni Paterson MW, The Real Review “The grapes are sourced from the low-yielding Pothana vineyard, over twenty years of age, which has red clay loam with weathered limestone subsoil. Fermentation occurs in open vats, and the wine is matured in older oak barrels. Gorgeous aromas of raspberries and cherry pie. The wine has excellent intensity, in the red berry sphere, and is proudly medium-bodied. The tannins and fine and balanced. An expertly crafted wine.91 points”
4.5 Stars John Lewis, The Newcastle Herald, June, 2018 “The wine comes from Pothana Lane, Belford, the vineyard David & his Father, William, planted in the early 1980’s. The Shiraz is purple tinted crimson, has 13% alcohol & cassis aromas. The front palate shows juicy plum flavour, the middle palate glace cherry, black pepper, cloves & cedary oak & the finish minty tannins.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “Light- to mid-weight but well balanced and good to drink. Clean, fresh and gently textural. Red cherry, cream, plum and earth. A hint of toffee apple. Nicely done.”
RRP $24 Last of this vintage….
