Surely everyone has heard of the term ‘couch potato.’ For the few who haven’t, it simply refers to someone who sits around doing, in a nutshell, very little. This might sound odd, but I can’t help wondering if this wine has been doing something similar at Huntington Estate, lingering somewhere in a corner of the warehouse, convinced of its own goodness and happy to stay tucked away a little longer. I’ve no idea how many warehouses Huntington Estate has, nor how many corners there are to hide in, but if that’s what has happened here, kudos to the winemaking team…and the forklift operator.
If it has been hiding away for a while, that has most certainly been to its benefit. A wine this good doesn’t mind taking its time. There’s a settled feeling to it, almost as though the extra time has helped everything fall neatly into place. This could, or should I say will, continue to be their best selling red wine.
Live simply. Laugh often. Wine a lot.
Region: Mudgee, NSW Price: Not yet released Source: Sample thanks kindly to Huntington Estate
The nose opens with dark berries and something that reminded me of coconut rough (which made my wife chuckle when she picked it up too), a little earthiness as well, but it takes nothing away from the fruit. The palate is full and smooth, carrying blackberries, plums and a richness that feels very much in tune with the vintage. Oak is supportive rather than showy, adding a touch of vanilla, while the tannins form a beautifully built frame for the depth of fruit and gives the wine really good length. It’s a well‑made, impressive Shiraz for sure. Drink it now or cellar comfortably for as long as you want to, really.
(Sorry about the photo 2019. It’s the only one I could use for now)
