Thomas Wines 2022 Kiss Shiraz: A Benchmark of Hunter Valley Elegance

Thomas Wines 2022 Kiss Shiraz

In the world of Hunter Valley Shiraz, few wines stand as tall as the Thomas Wines 2022 Kiss Shiraz. With a name that playfully belies its serious nature, this wine is a true testament to the art of winemaking in the region. Sourced from the esteemed Pokolbin Estate vineyard, where vines planted in 1969 yield fruit of remarkable depth and concentration, the 2022 Kiss Shiraz is poised to be one of the standout wines of the vintage.

The Vineyard: A Legacy of Excellence

The Pokolbin Estate vineyard is known for its tough clay/loam soils, which naturally limit the vine’s yield, resulting in low-cropping vines that produce grapes with incredible intensity. This vineyard has been the source of the Kiss Shiraz since its first vintage in 2001, and over the years, the wine has garnered numerous accolades, establishing itself as a benchmark for Hunter Valley Shiraz.

The 2022 vintage was marked by early and mid-season rainfall, which delayed the ripening process. However, meticulous vineyard management, including a significant crop thinning during veraison, ensured that the remaining fruit ripened to perfection. The result is a wine that reflects the best qualities of the vintage, with exceptional depth, complexity, and elegance.

Winemaking: A Journey of Precision

The winemaking process for the 2022 Kiss Shiraz was one of precision and care. The fruit was hand-picked on the 23rd of February, and after a 24-hour cold soak to enhance colour and flavour extraction, it was fermented on skins for eight days. The wine was then matured for 16 months in premium French oak hogsheads, with 20% new oak and the remainder in one and two-year-old barrels. This careful maturation process has imbued the wine with subtle oak influences that complement its vibrant fruit character.

Before its release on the 18th of May 2024, the wine was allowed to rest in a climate-controlled cellar for ten months, ensuring that it was at its best when it reached the market.

Tasting Notes: Complexity and Elegance in Every Sip

The 2022 Kiss Shiraz is a wine that immediately captivates with its vivid youthful purple colour and ruby hue. On the nose, it offers bold and savoury aromas, with ripe dark fruits, sarsaparilla, and warm brown spices taking centre stage. These rich, inviting aromas set the stage for a palate that is both complex and layered.

The palate is a cascade of flavours, with fresh damson plum, acai, black and boysenberry fruits intertwined with fine velvety tannins and crisp acidity. Hints of black pepper, tea smoke, and espresso add depth, while an ironstone note contributes a savoury minerality that anchors the wine. Despite its power, the Kiss Shiraz remains elegant, with a vibrantly aromatic profile and a long, lingering finish.

Food Pairing: Enhancing the Experience

The 2022 Kiss Shiraz is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Its rich fruit and spice profile make it a perfect match for slow-cooked meats, such as lamb shanks or beef short ribs. The wine’s acidity and tannin structure also complement grilled meats, particularly when paired with a smoky barbecue sauce. For a vegetarian option, try it with a mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables, where the wine’s savoury notes can shine.

A Wine for Now and the Future

While the 2022 Kiss Shiraz is certainly enjoyable in its youth, it is a wine that will reward patience. With its balanced acidity, firm tannins, and complex flavour profile, it has the potential to age gracefully over the next decade or more. Those who choose to cellar it will be rewarded with a wine that evolves beautifully, developing even greater depth and nuance with time.

Buy Thomas Wines Kiss Shiraz 2017

A Classic in the Making

The Thomas Wines 2022 Kiss Shiraz is more than just a wine; it’s a celebration of Hunter Valley winemaking at its finest. From the meticulous care taken in the vineyard to the precision of the winemaking process, every element of this wine reflects a commitment to quality and excellence. As it enters the market, the 2022 Kiss Shiraz is poised to be recognised as one of the great Hunter Valley Shirazes, destined to be enjoyed now or treasured for years to come.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Thomas Wines or new to the world of Hunter Valley Shiraz, the 2022 Kiss Shiraz is a must-try.