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Hobbs Shiraz Viognier 2010

Wine Description & Tasting Notes

Lying at around 500 metres above sea level the Hobbs Shiraz vineyard was planted in 1998 and our Viognier plot ten years earlier in 1988 over the rocky, yellow podzolic soils common to the higher altitudes of the Eden Valley.

The fruit is harvested by hand, the Viognier is pressed separately and we co-ferment the Shiraz on the skins of the Viognier. Post-fermentation the wine is aged in new French hogsheads for a period of 24 months before bottling.

Deep impenetrable red/purple, the aromas immediately burst out of the glass. Rich, concentrated blackberry and black plum are backed up by cassis and just a dash of higher-toned cranberry. Hints of licorice, dark chocolate, clove, five-spice, vanilla bean and roasting meats. There is a floral edge with notes of violets, apricot kernel, dried orange peel followed by a healthy dose of Barossa earth.

In the mouth the 2010 Hobbs Shiraz Viognier shows plenty of texture, filling the palate with a raft of rich flavour. Fruit characters of blackberry, blackcurrant, plum and cassis flow effortlessly in the mouth with some bright, crunchy cranberry fruit lift further back. Hints of dark chocolate, deep-set spice, vanillin, earth, roast beef, consommé and well-judged toasty oak.

Lighter notes of apricot kernel, purple flowers, dried citrus peel and redcurrant also make a showing. Opulent, supple and showing fine balance the 2010 displays a great energy and drive through to a finish that is awash with ripe, super-fine sandy tannins and lingers persistently with echoes of black & dark fruits and floral nuance. Only 130 cases produced.

Wine Reviews

Hobbs Shiraz Viognier 2010
92 points

Rich and generous, weaving delicate floral notes through the muscular blackberry, cherry and licorice flavors that keep pulsing through the finish. Combines power and elegance. Drink now through 2018.

(source — Wine Spectator Insider, Harvey Steiman, Dec 2012)

Hobbs Shiraz-Viognier 2008
94 points

Rich, ripe, round and expressive, delivering a gorgeous, mouthfill- ing array of pomegranate, guava, cherry and spice flavors that don't quit on the long, expressive finish. This has polish, power and grace. Drink now through 2018.
(source — Wine Spectator Insider, Harvey Steiman, May 2012)

Hobbs Shiraz-Viognier 2007

Rating: 93 points

Supple, round and complex, a distinctive mix of blackberry, black cherry, orange peel and tobacco aromas and flavors, hinting at exotic spices as the finish lingers smoothly. Drink now through 2017)

(source: Wine Spectator, Harvey Steiman, posted May 12th, 2010

Hobbs Shiraz-Viognier 2005

Rated 97 points

The deep purple-colored Shiraz-Viognier was aged fro 2 years in new French oak hogsheads. The complex aromatics reveal floral notes, mineral, and blueberry with an added lift from the Viognier. Full-bodied, ripe, and succulent, on the palate spice, game and chocolate notes emerge. This plush, pleasure driven wine can be enjoyed now but will evolve for 6-8 years and drink well through 2025.

(Source: Wine Advocate, Robert Parker, posted 2008)

Hobbs Shiraz-Viognier 2004
90 points

The blockbuster, super-powerful, rich 2004 Shiraz/Viognier (96% of the former and 4% of the latter) reveals notes of flowers, apricot jam, sweet creme de cassis, blackberries, and black truffles. Intense, full-bodied, and oozing with extract, this is a sensationally rich, nearly over-the-top, exotic, mouthfilling Shiraz that screams Barossa Valley. It should drink well for 10-15 years.

(source - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 2006)