Agricola DWxHV Shiraz 2023

Hoffmann Dallwitz Old • Hoffmann Dallwitz 1996 • Hutton Vale 1961 vines

2023 DWxHV is a blend of Hoffmann Dallwitz shiraz plantings dating from 1996 back to 1888 and the Angas family’s 1961 Hutton Vale shiraz plantings. This bottle adorns the mid 19th century ‘Seven Special Surveys’ map of the Barossa Range.

Geez, what a treat it is to work through the quartet of new release wines from Callum Powell of Agricola. Top of the pops. All day. This is a blend of Hoffmann Dallwitz vineyard sourcing with plantings dating from 1996 to 1888 and fruit from the Angas family’s 1961 Hutton Vale plot. What a combo!

This is quite potent but still manages a sense of freshness and prettiness. Scents of ripe plum, ginger biscuit, cumin and cardamom in a big way, bloody meat, black tea, new leather and anise. Evocative. The palate shows off rich, dense fruit characters, intense black plum, cola, more gingery notes, that similar riff of curry spices, strong black tea feel to the fine but firm tannin profile and some bergamot and bay leaf to finish. Feels quite Italianate in a way – an almost robust sangiovese-esque profile, and good for it. But still, the beating heart of Barossa is is writ large. Tremendous. Drink 2024-2035+. 95 Points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.