Tyrrells, Johnno's Shiraz, Hunter Valley

Tart raspberry, sour plum. Aniseed emerging after a while, hints of leather. Much better than refcent previous bottle which I now do suspect was faulty. Heat-affected seems the most likely suspect but both bottles were won in the same auction lot so a bit confusing. This bottle seems like it could have gone much longer.

A bit oxidized, flat and looking older than it should. Was an auction purchase so perhaps poorly stored. Not unpleasant just disappointing relative to what it should have been.

A little oxidisation here, with tired and slightly dull fruits. Quite weighted for a Hunter shiraz too, solid medium to full bodied.

A bright red colour with very little brown on the edges promises a well structured wine. The nose is dusty and lightly berried and rather understated at first. The palate is old school “Hunter burgundy” with its deeply flavoured amalgam of red plums, spice and ripe cherries supported with a refreshing spine of acid. The vineyard is the former Long Flat vineyard renamed twenty years ago in honour of Bruce’s son John Tyrrell. The vineyard’s lighter soil profile produces a …