Hewitson Strawberry Hill Shiraz 2022

The Hewitson Strawberry Hill Shiraz 2022 has earned extraordinary critical acclaim with scores of 97 points from Wine Orbit and 96 points from Ray Jordan, placing it among the elite tier of Barossa Shiraz. Its 15-month French oak maturation creates a sophisticated balance between power and elegance that's characteristic of premium Barossa expressions. The wine showcases the region's ability to produce Shiraz with both immediate appeal and exceptional ageing potential.

This full-bodied Shiraz is designed for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring, thanks to its fine-grained tannin structure and French oak integration. The 2022 vintage represents excellent drinking now through to 2035-2040, with the wine likely to develop greater complexity and tertiary characters over the next decade. Barossa Shiraz from quality producers like Hewitson typically reaches peak maturity between 8-15 years, when the fruit, oak, and tannins achieve perfect harmony.

The wine's rich profile of dark chocolate, coffee bean, and forest fruits makes it an ideal match for robust red meats, particularly grilled lamb with rosemary or slow-cooked beef dishes. The full-bodied nature and fine tannins can handle rich, umami-driven foods like aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, or even dark chocolate desserts. The French oak influence adds a sophisticated backbone that complements dishes with earthy or smoky elements.

Old vine Shiraz typically comes from vines that are 30+ years old, producing lower yields but more concentrated, complex fruit with deeper root systems that access unique soil minerals. These mature vines naturally regulate their crop load, resulting in grapes with more intense flavours and better tannin structure. The old vine fruit in this Hewitson Shiraz contributes to its layered complexity and the ability to reveal 'something new with every sip' as described in the tasting notes.

The 15-month French oak maturation adds subtle vanilla, spice, and structural complexity without overwhelming the fruit character, which is why you taste notes of dark chocolate and cacao rather than obvious oak flavours. French oak is prized for its tight grain and elegant tannin contribution, allowing the wine's natural forest fruit characters to shine while providing the framework for extended cellaring. This oak treatment enhances the wine's textural richness and contributes to the exceptional length on the finish.