Another individual vineyard Hunter Valley shiraz in Thommo's range, this one hailing from a vineyard located at Sweetwater Ridge in the northern (Belford) end of the Lower Hunter Valley. Planted in 1998, the red/brown loamy soils over limestone are what give this wine its distinctive floral lift and character. The relatively vigourous vines are usually crop thinned to around 4-5 tonnes per Hectare each year which ensures even ripening and produces wonderfully concentrated fruit.

2009 saw above average spring rainfall leading to higher yields and perfectly structured, long living shiraz. A deeply layered wine of exceptional vibrancy and brightness. Potent in smooth red, black fruit characters, violets with a dusting of savoury spice and a lengthy, supple tannin.

"Coming from a single vineyard the 2009 Sweetwater Shiraz was matured in 90% French and 10% American oak (30% new) for 15months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it has spicy aromas of cumin, cassia, nutmeg and white pepper over a black cherry and black raspberry core. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced, it has just enough pure berry and spice flavor supported by a medium level of very finely grained tannins and finishing long and peppery."
Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

4 Trophies
96 points - James Halliday