2023 Brokenwood Vegas Block Shiraz
2023 Brokenwood Vegas Block Shiraz

2023 Brokenwood Vegas Block Shiraz

96 pts
Brokenwood |Hunter Valley |Shiraz
A fragrant, silky Hunter Shiraz from the Graveyard’s Vegas Block, combining whole-bunch lift with fine tannins and impressive finesse.
Price:
$75.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
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Description

WINERY OF THE YEAR! - 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

Vegas Block is a special parcel within the famous Graveyard Vineyard, tucked into the southern corner near McDonald’s and Thompson’s Roads. It’s a patch that’s been replanted more than once over the years – each time costing a small fortune, hence the nickname “Vegas Block.” Brokenwood even joked about calling it “Vega$” when they first bottled it.

The 2023 release was picked in mid-February under warm, clear skies after what had been one of the wettest, trickiest growing seasons on record. Despite the challenges, the fruit came off in excellent shape. About 30% whole bunches went into the ferment, which has given the wine its fragrance and that silky, mid-weight structure. French oak was used in large, seasoned puncheons, so it sits quietly in the background, adding polish without distracting from the fruit.

The style is classic modern Hunter Shiraz – fragrant and pretty up front, with ripe cherry and bramble notes, silky tannins and a clean, savoury finish. It’s already a joy to drink but will reward time in the cellar too.

96 points
"It is fascinating and highly satisfying, with supreme aromatic allure and layers of interest."
- Toni Paterson (Halliday Wine Companion)

Ryan Montgomery

Ryan Montgomery

James Suckling 94 Points

Blackberry, orange peel, smoke, dried meat and crushed stone aromas follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a savory finish. Dark fruit at the end. Crunchy acidity. Co-fermented with a tiny bit of pinot noir and trebbiano. Drink now. Screw cap.

A mid density wine from the whole bunch/stalk technique used, with youthful purple tints. A very fragrant, pretty nose with lifted ripe cherry and bramble notes. 30% whole bunch was incorporated into the ferment. Some oak is evident but in the background which adds another subtle layer. Silky tannins and the ripe fruit characters fruit make for a very enjoyable Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Vinification
All hand-picked fruit, processing started with a 4-day cold soak then 4-5 day ferment at 23-25C with 30% whole bunch. Three tonne open fermenters were used, enabling hand plunging twice per day. The wine was pressed off and run to oak, and the malolactic fermentation in barrel. For this wine, old French oak in larger format (500L) puncheons were used.

Winemaker Comments
Our third consecutive wet growing season, La Nina continued to make herself known throughout the first three quarters of the year, with widespread floods again experienced across South Eastern Australia. Up to the 31st of December 2022, we received 1365.5mm of rain with 97 rainy days at Brokenwood. Pokolbin reached its annual rainfall by the end of June, with 2022 being the wettest year that we have had on record. The start of the growing season was particularly challenging with vineyard access and Downy Mildew pressure a constant issue. Thankfully, the weather cleared up in late October. Fruit condition and canopy were excellent despite the cooler summer. This resulted in one of the latest harvests on record, resulting in near perfect tannin ripeness. Vegas Block Shiraz was picked on the 14th February 2023, under warm, clear skies. This Single Vineyard, block-specific Shiraz comes from the Graveyard Vineyard, specifically the southern end near the corner of McDonald’s Road and Thompson’s Road. Named “Vegas Block” due to multiple replanting's over the past 35 years—each requiring significant investment, much like a trip to Las Vegas—we were even tempted to label it “Vega$” for fun!

Food Pairing
Veal, duck and cheese.

Drink
Drinking well now but will age gracefully.

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type Red
Body Full Bodied
Variety Shiraz
Country Australia
Region Hunter Valley
Australian State NSW
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
James Suckling
Critic Score 96
94
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

Brokenwood

Brokenwood is one of the Hunter Valley’s great stories. What started back in 1970 as a weekend hobby for a couple of Sydney lawyers has grown into one of Australia’s most respected wineries, without ever losing that original sense of fun and adventure. From the beginning they set the standard for Hunter Semillon, a style they still lead the charge on today.

These days Chief Winemaker Stuart Hordern carries the torch, crafting brilliant Hunter classics and also drawing on fruit from some of the country’s best regions. Think plush McLaren Vale Shiraz, elegant Victorian Chardonnay, and powerful Beechworth Cabernet, all made with the same Brokenwood touch.

The Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz has long been one of Australia’s most collectable reds, but the wines across the range share a common thread: purity, balance and a real sense of place. At the same time, the team here has always kept things down-to-earth. They’re serious about sustainability and quality, but never take themselves too seriously.

Brokenwood has grown up, but it still carries the spark of those early days. If you want a producer that combines Hunter Valley history with a modern, generous spirit, you’ve found it.

The Winemaking team at Brokenwood Brokenwood

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