De Iuliis Shiraz 2011

De Iuliis Shiraz 2011
13.7%, Screwcap, $25
Source: Sample
www.dewine.com.au

I like the fact that Mike De Iuliis’ website URL is simple dewine.com.au. Helps save people awkwardly typing in URL’s and skipping all those wonderful vowels in big Mike’s name…

Anyways, this Shiraz – like so many 2011 Hunter reds – is a lovely, bright and juicy sort of red. It suffers perhaps by the natural comparison with is single vineyard brother, the superstar 2011 Steven Shiraz, yet it’s nothing if not tasty.

This leads off with the wonderful purple colours of the vintage, the hue very bright and vibrant. What is most satisfying is that combination of berry juiciness and the meaty, earthen red dirt of the Hunter. A jubey middle that is generous but not sweet and fine tannins to finish make this rather tasty mid-weight Hunter Shiraz in that ageless Hunter form. Will convince the Hunter haters, even if its not an especially complex wine.

Still a pup, this should easily see its 15th birthday. A little extra concentration and definition and it would be in the same league as the aforementioned Steven vineyard for sure.

Drink: 2013-2023
Score: 17.7/20 92/100
Would I buy it? I’d definitely recommend it. Would take the Steven Vineyard though