Hayes Family Wines Hoffman DV Shiraz 2023
G 94
From the single block vineyard series, the fruit here is from the Dallwitz Ancestor Shiraz Block in the Ebenezer sub-region in the northern Barossa Valley. Originally planted back in the 1880s, this is a highly regarded site for top Shiraz. 1,200 bottles. Opaque black/maroon in colour, the nose reveals notes of dark chocolate, plums, leather, aniseed, mushrooms, soy and coffee grinds. Medium to good length, the texture is sleek and there is a fine line of acidity running the full journey. It finishes with silky/powdery tannins. Impressive stuff. Drink now–2035 Hayes Family Wines Mader Block Grenache 2024 G 94 The Mader Block in the Lights Pass sub-region in the central parts of the Barossa Valley, provides the grenache for this terrific example of what old vines can offer. The vines here date back more than 150 years. After fermentation, the wine was transferred into older French oak puncheons for maturation. Just 2,000 bottles made. A gorgeous cherry/crimson colour, the nose reveals notes of raspberries, florals, cranberries, red cherries and bay leaves. The wine is generous with a supple texture and has both balance and length. The tannins are that lovely Grenache mix of silky and silty. Seriously impressive length; there is a lot to like here. Drink this over the
next 6–10 years. Drink now–2035 Hayes Family Wines Reserve Shiraz 2022
G 94
From an exciting vintage for the region, only 800 bottles of this cracking Barossa Shiraz were produced. It is very much worth seeking out. The colour is a dark purple maroon. This is richly flavoured and well-structured with notes of chocolate, coffee beans, blackberries, soy, liquorice, herbs and finely handled oak. A wine with focus and direction, impressive length, fine balance, surprising power and dusty tannins. For the long haul. Drink now–2040 Hentley Farm The Old Legend Grenache 2024 G 94 From the Seppeltsfield Vineyard in the Barossa, the fruit undergoes a partial extended skin maceration for sixty days. 16% whole bunches are included in the ferment and the wine sees nine months’ maturation in older French oak. The quality of the fruit from this block is evident when one considers that the 2021 vintage won the illustrious Jimmy Watson trophy. Crimson/magenta, the nose reveals notes of dry herbs, red fruits, truffles, aniseed and strawberries. There is juicy acidity running the length, with slightly gritty tannins towards the finish. A wine of impressive persistence which is neatly balanced and one which maintains the intensity of flavours for the full journey, this should drink beautifully for the next 8–10 years. Drink now–2035
South Australian Wine Guide 2026 | Barossa
109
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