Hewitson Monopole Shiraz 2021

A single vineyard wine, the Shiraz here has all been cultivated from a single Shiraz vine, located in the Old Garden Vineyard, which was originally from 1853. In other words, for those to whom these things matter, this is the resurrection of a pre-phylloxera clone of the grape. 45% of the wine was whole bunches and the wine spent three weeks on skins. My pick of the latest Hewitson releases, this is an absolute superstar Barossa Shiraz. Purple/maroon, the nose just takes hold. Utterly gorgeous. Wines like this are a problem when one is tasting. You need to keep moving at a reasonable clip, but then along comes this in a glass and you find yourself spending minutes just smelling the wine, which has taken you to dreamland. One almost forgets to taste the thing; such is the majesty of the aromas. Coffee bean notes, mocha, blueberries, ripe plums, vanilla and cassis. This is dense but dancing. Finely balanced with an intriguing mix of finesse and power. If Barossa Shiraz can be ethereal, then this is it. The silkiest of tannins and such a lingering finish. Shows how good the 2021s can be. Just wow. This will do me. Ten to fifteen years.