Classics Collection Release: May 5th 2022 (available for LCBO purchase online on this date)
95
Hewitson ‘The Mad Hatter’ Shiraz 2018
GI Barossa Valley, South Australia $41.95 (55608) 14.0% alcohol
This opens with aromas of black pepper, tapenade, blueberry and mulberry jam that waft easily from the glass with even a gentle swirl. It blankets the palate with a full-Monty stream of juicy black fruit—Bing cherry, bramble berry and black plum. This is full-bodied and fully flavoured from cork pop to last drop. There’s good balance, soft, fine grained tannin and enough tang and acidity to produce lip-smacking pizzazz on the finish and aftertaste as they linger with palate replays. Pour with Osso buco or lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: May 21st 2022 (available in LCBO stores in Vintages section on this date)
94
Hewitson ‘Ned and Henry’s’ Shiraz 2019
GI Barossa Valley, South Australia $29.95 (54221) 14.0% alcohol
Beguiling aromas of mulberry, exotic spice and hints of flinty bits abound on the nose. It’s juicy and fruit-forward on the palate showcasing peppery notes, juicy black currant and hints of crème de cassis and mocha persisting to and through the lingering finish and aftertaste. It’s concentrated and classy with deft balance and plenty of ripe, juicy fruit joined by dark bittersweet chocolate on the lingering aftertaste. Good to pour now and with careful cellaring on to 2030. Pour alongside a grilled rack of Australian lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Classics Collection Release: August 4th 2022 (available for LCBO purchase online on this date)
98
Hewitson ‘Old Garden Vineyard – Vines Planted 1853’ 2018
GI Barossa Valley, South Australia $89.95 (13568) 14.0% alcohol
Every drop of this wine was sourced from estate-grown, 168-year-old vines at harvest; the oldest known vines of Mourvèdre on the planet. This is both powerful and refined—an iron fist in a velvet glove. Aromas of cherry, licorice and dark plum intertwine with mineral and floral notes. The palate’s enveloped with a fruit bowl of flavours with blueberry, ripe mulberry, black, juicy Bing cherry and mocha to the fore. This showcases persistent purity of low-yielding fruit to and through the finish and aftertaste, deft balance and a perceptible soft underpinning of ripe tannin. Lots of life ahead for this rare gem, Drink now to 2038 with careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)