Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz. What year ?

[Leigh]

About 6 months ago I tasted two (2) bottles of the 2004 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz with my uncle (lover of fine wine) at one of our many long lunches. I believe it was one of the best wines that I have ever tasted. It displayed velvety smooth tannins, followed by a very long aftertaste of spice, earth and blackpepper. Sensational wine !

I am going to purchase a bottle or two of a Graveyard Shiraz so that I can rock up for a drinking session with a bottle of Graveyard from the best year and surprise my uncle. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

REDNUT I notice that your enjoyed the 1999 Graveyard Shiraz. ?

Cheers
Leigh

[rednut]

Leigh,

I had purchased the Graveyard some time ago and it has been in the back of my winefridge since.

The cork was as new with no creeping or leakage.
Definately a lovely wine.

Here's a guide for you anyway...

http://www.brokenwood.com.au/wines/graveyard/

This is also a good read about Graveyard...

http://www.nicks.com.au/Index.aspx?link_id=76.1053

Cheers
Ian

[Gary W]

2000 of the more recent vintages.
GW

[Alex F]

Dunno... didn't the 2000 seem disjointed and closed recently?

I would go for a 1996 or 1998.

[Mike Hawkins]

I'm with Gary. The 2000 is a cracker. Much better than the (IMO) overhyped 98.

[fred]

Of the recent vintages (ie last 15 years) the 2000 is by far the best, followed by the 2003 IMHO.

However, if you are going to plonk (sic) the asking price for this wine on the table I strongly suggest that you cellar the wine for at least 15 years from vintage date in either case to obtain something like the potential these wines will give.

Surprisingly for what was an excellent vintage in the Hunter I don't rate the 83 particularly well but equally surprisingly the 86 is the pick of shiraz from that vintage and outperforms the more heralded 87. For a "drink now" a good bottle of the 86 is the go.

Otherwise 91 & 94 are pretty good, but for the longhaul go for the 2000 which is the closest to the sublime great Lindemans Hunter shiraz (59, 65 & 83), and will be stunning around 2020 !!

regards

[Grant]

Leigh,

I tasted the 98 blind in a tasting of a number of very good Oz Shiraz and it showed very well. Developing evenly and showing very little age. I think it is a lovely wine that will come into its drinking window in about 5 years time. The 2000 is also terrific.

Cheers

[Leigh]

Thanks to all for your feedback. It looks as if I will give the 2000 a go. Below are some notes from the winemaker re the 2000 Graveyard. It does sound very nice.

Cheers
Leigh


Notes by Winemaker: A very good crop of Graveyard Shiraz at nearly 4.5t/ha (1.75t/acre). Sugars were high, giving 14 -14.3% alcohol.

Very dense, purple colour. The nose shows an amalgam of fruit, region and oak. Aromas of black fruit , blackberry, dark cherry, plum and dark chocolate - combine with briar and earth characters. These carry to the palate with an almost rich, sweet softness that gives a drink now appeal for such a young wine. A solid oak level (to match the unusually robust structure/alcohol) that shows dark chocolate and mocha. Soft, rich, complex palate that will show more savoury edges with time. Long, excellent finish to the palate with firm but balanced tannins. A great Hunter Valley Shiraz from an excellent vintage. Will age well, continuing to improve over the long term.

The previous high quality years 1998, 1996, 1994, 1991 and 1986 will be hard pressed to challenge 2000.

[bob parsons]

Talking about Brokenwood, just had the chance to taste the `06 Semillon. Always a big fan, think a few will end up in the cellar! Bracing, young, sharp, grassy, lemon, 11% alc.

[Leigh]

Hi Bob,

Yes, I agree with your comments re the 06 Semillon. Bought 2 bottles yesterday and it is a great drop.

Cheers
Leigh