BROKENWOOD Graveyard Shiraz 2006

Robert Parker Score: 94 points

Reviewer: Lisa Perrotti-Brown — 18827 Apr 2010

Drink 2013–2029

The 2006 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is an excellent example of complex, elegant Hunter Shiraz. Cinnamon, allspice and anise aromas mingle with crushed blackberries, iodine, underbrush and a whiff of leather. A solid backbone of high acidity and medium to firm, finely grained tannins support the abundance of earthy / spicy fruit. Very long finish with just a hint of oak remaining. Drink 2013-2029.

Founded in 1970, Brokenwood, by virtue of its illustrious founders (3 lawyers from Sydney) and a proven track-record for producing superlative wines, is today amongst the Hunter Valley’s icons. Production is now at around 100,000 cases with about 50% of this being accounted for by the Cricket Pitch Red and White. Hunter Valley fruit constitutes around 25% of production and it’s their wines from this region that really make Brokenwood outstanding. Brokenwood’s famous Graveyard Vineyard was planted in 1968 using Shiraz cuttings from the vineyards of a couple of the Hunter’s oldest examples: Tyrrell’s and McWilliams. The soils at Graveyard are relatively infertile, slowing the ripening process and giving small vines.