Usher Tinkler 2023 Rebirth Shiraz

The Hunter Valley, a region steeped in winemaking history, is renowned for its ability to produce wines that capture the essence of the land.

Usher Tinkler’s 2023 Rebirth Shiraz is a prime example of this, offering a modern yet deeply rooted expression of Shiraz that reflects both the vineyard’s heritage and the winemaker’s vision.

A Vineyard with History: Shady Pines 1968

The story of the 2023 Rebirth Shiraz begins in the Shady Pines vineyard, an organic gem planted in 1968. This vineyard, with its mature vines and organic practices, provides a foundation of purity and intensity that shines through in the wine. The age of the vines allows for a deep-rooted connection to the soil, resulting in fruit that is concentrated, expressive, and full of character.

The Winemaking Process: A Focus on Purity and Expression

The winemaking approach for the 2023 Rebirth Shiraz is one of minimal intervention, allowing the true nature of the fruit to take centre stage. The Shiraz grapes were fermented as whole bunches, a method that enhances the wine’s complexity by incorporating the stems, adding structure and a hint of earthiness. Once fermentation reached dryness, the wine was pressed off and transferred into old French oak, where it underwent full malolactic fermentation. This secondary fermentation softens the wine, giving it a rounded, plush mouthfeel while preserving its vibrant fruit character.

Maturation was brief—just three months in oak—ensuring that the wine retained its freshness and fruit-driven nature. The result is a Shiraz that is both approachable and complex, with a flavour profile that is unmistakably Hunter Valley.

Tasting Notes: A Juicy, Fruit-Driven Experience

The 2023 Rebirth Shiraz is a wine that bursts with the flavours of juicy black plum and mulberry. These dark fruit notes are at the forefront, creating a rich and satisfying palate. On the nose, the wine offers blackberry aromatics, with a touch of earthiness from the whole-bunch fermentation.

This is a wine that benefits from decanting, which allows the bouquet to fully open up, revealing layers of blackberry, subtle spice, and a hint of herbal complexity. The old French oak imparts a gentle influence, providing structure without overshadowing the vibrant fruit.

A Wine for Now and Later

The 2023 Rebirth Shiraz is designed to be enjoyed in its youth, offering a snapshot of the vineyard’s organic fruit and the winemaker’s skillful touch. However, its structure and balance suggest that it could also reward short-term cellaring, allowing the flavours to further integrate and develop.

Whether enjoyed now or in a few years, this wine is a testament to the Hunter Valley’s ability to produce Shiraz that is both expressive and true to its origins. Usher Tinkler’s 2023 Rebirth Shiraz is more than just a wine; it’s a celebration of the land, the vines, and the people who craft it.

For those looking to explore the depths of Hunter Valley Shiraz, the Rebirth Shiraz offers an engaging and satisfying experience, filled with the flavours and aromas that define this iconic region. It’s a wine that informs, educates, and, above all, entertains the palate.