Print this Wine         1997 Brokenwood Shiraz   LOWER HUNTER VALLEY                 January Release   Shiraz       When Brokenwood was established it trail blazed the way for producers in the Hunter Valley to augment their wines in both style and quantity by blending fruit from other areas. This wine continues that trend although the unusual point about this wine is that the fruit has been sourced entirely from other premium regions. In this case it is from the McLaren Vale and King Valley regions. Iain Riggs, who has been at the helm at Brokenwood for a considerable length of time, has put his experience to the best possible advantage. He is constantly seeking out parcels of fruit that can best display the style of wine he likes to make. This style could be summarized as being fruit focused in youth with enough oak and other secondary flavors to support the wine as it ages. He certainly has achieved this with this new release. The nose has plenty going on with plum like fruit being at the core but there is some aniseed, mocha and chocolate to add extra complexity. There are also some lifted perfumed notes with spicy overtones and as an extra dimension there is a bacon fat character which is no doubt due to a modest, but noticeable proportion of new oak maturation. The palate sees all of the flavors mingling together. In addition there is a minty note which is probably from the King Valley component in the fruit blend. The King Valley is located at the foothills of the Snowy mountains in North Eastern Victoria. The high altitude vineyards, approximately 1200 feet, put them in the cooler end of climatic zones. The net effect of the blending of the warmer fruit from McLaren Vale with the higher perfume cool climate is added complexity and increased varietal definition. Neither of these factors are bad for the wine. The wine is without doubt very attractive now, but it is made with the future in mind. The tannins are quite evident on the back of the palate, although they are well integrated into the fruit and secondary flavors. Either drink the wine now to get a blast from the young and fresh fruit or hold onto it for at least 6 years. The wine will then probably drink at its peak for a further five years after that. Keep the food match fairly simple as there is plenty happening with the wine and it requires support not competition. Simple grilled or roast Beef would be the best suggestion. A rich sauce with a red wine reduction would match up superbly.

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