Brokenwood Wines, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, can lay claim to not only an iconic vineyard with the Graveyard Vineyard but to the preservation of a wine fraternity that proudly has as its mission statement, 'to make great wine and have fun.' The Hunter Valley is renowned for its dry table wines of Semillon and Shiraz. Brokenwood's production of these is further supported by premium grapes sources 'from all the right regions for all the right reasons' such as Orange, Beechworth and McLaren Vale.

The early release of Graveyard Shiraz (along with many other Brokenwood jewels ex the 2021 vintage) is presumably driven by the absence of any wines from the bushfire smoke contamination, but it's a lovely wine managing to look great in this year, and doubtless will in 20, 30 or 40 years' time too, take your pick. It has a complex bouquet, with some oak nuances in the backdrop, its masterful control of tannins is one of its secrets, red fruit joining the usual black and purple to complete the tale. Date: Feb 2023; Drink to: 2053; Price: $350.00; Alcohol: 13%; Rating: 98 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion