Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Hugo Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $20.99, regularly $27.49.
Hugo Wines is a family owned & operated winery in the foothills of McLaren Vale. The family focus on producing estate grown single vineyard wines from the Family Estate. Their passion is to make single site wines showcasing a unique sense of place with a direct connection to the land, while always being reminded of what’s truly important: family.
The original estate was purchased by John Hugo’s maternal great grandfather, George Sauerbier in 1860.
Our weekly special this week is their McLaren Vale Shiraz from two estate blocks planted in 1972 and 1988 respectively. Maturation took place in a mix of 75% French and 25% American oak hogsheads, 20% of which were new, for a period of 18 months. This is a rich and refined red with fine opulence. Impenetrable inky black in colour with a very deep dark purple black hue. Wafting from the glass is an intense bouquet of blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits which are followed by vanillin oak, a whiff of dark chocolate and peppered fennel like notes. Rich, full and opulent, lavish blackberry, dark plum and liquorice fruits are layered across the palate like silk sheets. Lurking beneath are elements of vanillin cedar, mocha and pepper. Excellent power with velvet smooth tannins and a long seductive conclusion. Try with grilled red meats.
Hugo Shiraz (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $20.99, regularly $27.49
Prost!