St Hugo Shiraz 2021 (Barossa, South Australia)
Much like us Kiwis, our neighbouring Aussie mates had a cracker 2021 vintage. In fact, it’s been described as one of the best vintages in the past decade. South Australia, in particular, had an incredible vintage. Considering that South Australia makes 50% of Australia’s wine and 80% of its premium wine, this bodes well for the reputation of the big island next door.
St Hugo is one of the legendary wine brands of South Australia’s Barossa and while Hugo Gramp didn’t establish the family wine business, he most certainly took it to the next level as G Gramp & Sons wines had a period of unparalleled growth from 1920 to 1938 under his leadership. Hugo’s own son Colin in turn founded St Hugo to honor his father’s legacy and contribution to Australian wine. Since its first vintage in 1980, St Hugo wines have been regarded as powerful yet premium and elegant wines, which this example most definitely is.
A hugely deep and persistent ruby speaks to the observer of this youthful wine. The nose is resplendent with dark- fruit aromas balanced by attractive herbal characteristics alongside a green fruit that really gives the wine intrigue. The palate is ripe and fleshy with concentrated fruit flavours both black and red. The tannins are rounded and well polished with a lively acidity that adds brightness while maintaining a line through to the finish of this elegant and exceptional shiraz.