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Technical Tasting Notes
2024 Hillside Shiraz
GROWING SEASON
The dry winter and spring made the vines work during the early part of the growing season, and bud burst started in September, three weeks earlier than the year before. Damaging frosts particularly, in September and October meant some vineyards had significant damage that influenced their subsequent yield. Veraison in many vineyards was a month earlier than 2023.
Reds, with small berries, show intensity and vibrancy. An unseasonal heatwave in early March caused short-lived concern for growers, but for those grapes that were still hanging they recovered well in the cooler weather that followed. Depending on site and variety, crops are anywhere between 50 and 90% of normal but quality particularly in Shiraz is exceptional.
SPECIFICATIONS
Region: Barossa Valley
Sub Region: Stone Well
Variety: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 600 bottles
Cellaring: 20 years+
Winemaker: Andrew Seppelt
Download Technical Tasting Notes 2024 Vintage →
Reviews
2024 Hillside Shiraz
Andrew Calliard (The Vintage Journal)
95 Points - Deep crimson. Fresh dark cherry, chinotto aromas with graphite notes. Concentrated and balanced palate with pure dark cherry, hint musky plum, chinotto flavours, fine chalky tannins, very good mid-palate volume and integrated toasted almond, marzipan notes. Builds muscular firm and tight at the finish. Some more years to unravel, but generous and vigorous. 2028–2040
Steve Leszczynski (Qwinereviews.com)
95 Points - If you’re chasing an old school Barossa Shiraz with no shortage of flavour, this Hayes Family Wines Hillside Shiraz delivers in spades.
From the certified organic Hayes Hillside Block in Stone Well, it's dense, rich and wonderfully concentrated from the outset. An intriguing touch of apricot kernel brings almost Roussanne-like vibes before dark plums, rich cherries and black fruits take command. Layers of caramel, dark chocolate and cloves build depth, with hints of caramel slice adding an indulgent twist. Woodsy and earthy spices weave confidently through the palate, while the finish seems to go on forever, driven by remarkable persistence and moreish appeal. This is a wine that stands tall, embracing the generous, full-flavoured Barossa style without apology. Lovers of bigger, richer Shiraz will feel right at home here.
2022 Hillside Shiraz
Ryan Montgomery (jamessuckling.com)
95 Points - A spectacular, textural, intense and composed shiraz. It has aromas of dark plums, mulberries, dried herbs, dark chocolate, warm spices and some leather. Full-bodied with finely grained tannins. Plenty of weight, with a fine texture at the edges. Driven and vviid at the center thanks to a stream of peppercorns and dried herbs. Peppery and flavorful with a long, focused, linear finish. Drink or hold.
2021 Hillside Shiraz
Not submitted for review
