Briar Ridge 2022 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz: A Hunter Valley Gem

Briar Ridge 2022 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz

Briar Ridge Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz

The Briar Ridge 2022 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz is a standout example of what the Hunter Valley is capable of producing in terms of elegance, depth, and long-term aging potential. Crafted from a carefully nurtured vineyard, this Shiraz reflects both the challenges and rewards of the 2022 vintage, showcasing the unique terroir of the Dairy Hill block and the skilled hands behind its creation.

A Unique Vineyard: The Heart of Hunter Valley

The Dairy Hill Vineyard, located in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, sits on well-drained sandy loam soils with an eastern-facing aspect, which is key to capturing the morning sun while protecting the vines from the harsh afternoon heat. The relatively low yields of this vineyard result in a concentration of fruit that brings intensity to the wine, while the natural acidity of the grapes provides structure and balance.

The 2022 growing season in the Hunter Valley was marked by a wetter-than-average winter, followed by cool and windy conditions, which led to smaller bunches and berries. However, this resulted in concentrated flavours and high natural acidity in the grapes, setting the stage for a vintage that promises both accessibility in its youth and long-term aging potential.

Winemaking: A Hands-On Approach

The winemaking process for the Briar Ridge 2022 Dairy Hill Shiraz is one that emphasizes minimal intervention and allows the fruit to shine. The grapes were hand-harvested at peak ripeness before being destemmed and crushed into small open fermenters. After a period of cold soaking, natural indigenous yeasts initiated fermentation, preserving the purity and character of the fruit.

Once fermentation was complete, the wine was gently pressed off the skins and transferred to a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. This indigenous process adds complexity and texture to the wine without overpowering its inherent freshness. The wine was then aged in oak, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate seamlessly.

Tasting Notes: Elegance and Power in Harmony

The Briar Ridge 2022 Dairy Hill Shiraz is a wine that effortlessly balances power and elegance. On the nose, it opens with lifted floral aromas of violet and rosemary, providing a delicate spice that draws you in. As you take your first sip, the palate reveals concentrated flavours of mulberry and Davidson plum, adding depth and richness to the wine’s profile.

The bright acidity and fine tannins frame the wine beautifully, offering structure and precision that promises excellent ageing potential. The wine’s texture is silky yet firm, with a long, layered finish that leaves a lasting impression of fruit, spice, and minerality.

This Shiraz is approachable in its youth, offering vibrant fruit and floral notes, but will also benefit from careful cellaring over the next decade, allowing it to develop further complexity and nuance.

Food Pairing: Elevating the Experience

The Briar Ridge 2022 Dairy Hill Shiraz is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Its rich fruit profile and fine tannins make it an ideal companion for soft, ripened cheeses, where the acidity of the wine cuts through the creamy texture of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance.

For those looking to pair this Shiraz with a meal, consider richly flavoured meat dishes, such as lamb shanks or a slow-braised beef stew. The wine’s depth and concentration complement the savoury, umami flavours of these dishes, while its acidity and tannin structure provide the perfect counterbalance to the richness of the meat.

Aging Potential: Built to Last

While the Briar Ridge 2022 Dairy Hill Shiraz is drinking beautifully now, with vibrant fruit and a refined structure, it is also a wine that will reward patience. With careful cellaring, this Shiraz will continue to evolve over the next decade, developing additional layers of complexity as the fruit softens and the secondary characteristics of leather, earth, and spice come to the forefront.

The wine’s bright acidity and fine tannins ensure that it will age gracefully, offering an ever-evolving experience for those who choose to lay it down for the long term.

A Hunter Valley Classic in the Making

The Briar Ridge 2022 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz is a wine that embodies the best of the Hunter Valley. It is a wine that informs, educates, and entertains the palate with its rich fruit, elegant structure, and potential for aging. Whether enjoyed now for its vibrant freshness or cellared for future enjoyment, this Shiraz is a true reflection of the skill and dedication of the team at Briar Ridge, as well as the unique terroir of the Dairy Hill Vineyard.

For those who appreciate fine wine and the nuances of the Hunter Valley, this Shiraz is a must-try. It offers a taste of the region’s past, present, and future, all wrapped up in a bottle that promises to provide enjoyment for years to come.