Brokenwood 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz: A Hunter Valley Icon

Brokenwood 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz

The Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia’s most revered Shiraz, and the Brokenwood 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz stands as a shining example of this legacy. As the 33rd release from this iconic vineyard, the 2022 vintage continues the tradition of crafting elegant, refined wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. With its bright colour, supple palate, and fine tannins, this Shiraz is set to become a classic.

A Vineyard Steeped in History

The Graveyard Vineyard is one of the Hunter Valley’s most esteemed sites, known for producing Shiraz that combines intensity with elegance. Located on heavy clay soils, this vineyard provides the perfect environment for growing Shiraz with concentrated fruit and strong tannin structure. The 2022 vintage benefited from these conditions, with the old vines thriving despite the challenges of a cool, wet season.

The 2022 growing season was marked by La Niña conditions, which brought heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures. However, the consistent breeze helped to keep the canopy dry, preventing disease and allowing the fruit to ripen slowly. By the time harvest arrived in the second week of February, the grapes were in pristine condition, ready to produce a wine of exceptional quality.

Winemaking: A Balance of Tradition and Precision

The winemaking process for the Brokenwood 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is a careful balance of tradition and modern precision. The fruit underwent a three-day cold soak to enhance colour and flavour extraction, followed by a five to six-day fermentation at controlled temperatures of 24-26°C. This method allows the wine to develop its characteristic red spice and bramble fruit notes, while maintaining a fresh, vibrant profile.

After fermentation, the wine was aged in 100% French oak puncheons, using a combination of one, two, and three-year-old barrels. The decision to avoid new oak ensures that the fruit remains the star of the show, with the oak providing subtle structure and complexity without dominating the palate.

The result is a Shiraz that is both elegant and powerful, with a fine balance of acidity, fruit sweetness, and tannin structure. The wine’s natural acidity underpins its length, while the mid-palate sweetness carries through to a long, persistent finish.

Tasting Notes: Elegance and Intensity

The Brokenwood 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is a wine that captivates with its brightness and complexity. In the glass, it presents a mid-density colour with purple hues, reflecting its youthful vibrancy. On the nose, the wine offers lifted aromas of red spice and bramble fruit, typical of Hunter Valley Shiraz.

On the palate, the wine is supple and complete, with a lovely flow that leads into a sweet mid-palate. Flavours of red and dark berries are complemented by hints of spice and earth, creating a layered and complex profile. The fine tannins provide structure without harshness, and the wine’s natural acidity ensures a clean, refreshing finish.

This Shiraz is a classic example of what the Hunter Valley can produce: a wine that is both elegant and intense, with the ability to age gracefully over time. As it matures, expect the flavours to deepen and the tannins to soften, revealing additional layers of complexity and refinement.

Food Pairing: A Perfect Match for Rich Flavours

The 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of rich, hearty dishes. Its balanced structure and fine tannins make it an ideal companion for roasted meats, particularly lamb and beef. A roasted rack of lamb, seasoned with rosemary and garlic, will complement the wine’s spice and fruit profile, while the tannins will cut through the richness of the meat.

For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving this Shiraz with a rare rib of beef, accompanied by a red wine jus. The wine’s acidity and tannin structure will enhance the flavours of the beef, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.

The wine’s versatility also makes it a great match for a variety of other dishes, from rich stews to aged cheeses, where its complexity can shine.

Aging Potential: Built for the Long Haul

One of the standout features of the Brokenwood 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is its aging potential. While the wine is already showing beautifully in its youth, with vibrant fruit and fine tannins, it is also a wine that will reward patience. With proper cellaring, this Shiraz will continue to evolve over the next decade or more, developing additional layers of complexity and depth.

As it ages, expect the fruit to soften and the tannins to become even more integrated, revealing a wine that is both elegant and powerful, with a long, satisfying finish.

A Hunter Valley Classic

The Brokenwood 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is more than just a wine; it is a piece of Hunter Valley history. Crafted with precision and care, this Shiraz reflects the unique terroir of the Graveyard Vineyard, offering a wine that is both elegant and intense, with the potential to age beautifully over time.

Whether enjoyed now or laid down for future enjoyment, the 2022 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is a wine that demonstrates a true taste of what the Hunter Valley has to offer. For those who appreciate fine wine, this is a bottle that deserves a place in your collection.