A hogshead is another name for a great big barrel, something you'll be wishing this wine was sold in once you pop it open. Built on the partnership formed by South Australian wine grower Jim Zerella and Nicholas Crampton the result is not only a blend of their different skills and backgrounds, but also of fruit from three key regions; Central South Australia, McLaren Vale, and the Barossa.
The result certainly pulls no punches with a dark purple colouring matched by an uplifted and intensely aromatic nose loaded with ripe dark fruits, earthiness, and sweet smoked spice. There is a degree of excess in the flavour with violets and exotic spice complementing the fruit. It’s been said that the road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom, in this case the phrase rings true.
Awards and Accolades
90 Points - Sam Kim, Wineorbit "Up front, fruit expressive and supple, this attractive shiraz displays blackberry, raspberry jam, toasted nut and spice aromas on the nose, followed by a juicy palate that is vibrant and flavoursome. The wine offers pristine fruit flavours together with silky texture and fine tannins, finishing long and succulent. At its best: now to 2020."
From the Winery
Sourced from a combination of established, dry-grown vineyards in central South Australia and low-yielding McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley vineyards (54% Lower Murray, 33% McLaren Vale, 13% Barossa Valley). Wines are made and matured by Jim Zerella in McLaren Vale.
De-stemmed before a long, cool maceration with regular pumping over. Maturation is partially in stainless steel (aiding aromatics and fruit expression), partially in seasoned French and American oak for three months and partially in 300l French Hogshead barrels for a full bodied and complex flavour.
The 2015 vintage in South Australia was outstanding. Good soil moisture allowed the vines to weather the warm, dry summer conditions. Early Autumn rains refreshed the vines before cooler temperatures allowed a long, even ripening. A richly flavoured but well balanced year
Hogshead is an extension of the partnership between South Australian winegrower Jim Zerella and Nicholas Crampton. Hogshead Shiraz is an opulently flavoured and full bodied Shiraz, classically South Australian, and perfectly suited to barbecued red meats and other big flavours.
Don't Pay: $20.00
WBW Rating: 92/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: South Australia
Winemaker: Jim Zerella & Nicholas Crampton
Drink now until: 2028
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %
