Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Easily one of the best editions of this consistently good wine, this has an extra dimension of fruit flavor and richness, plus loads of blackberry and spice. The tannins really sparkle; great balance and depth here. Drink now and for 5+ years. Superb.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Hilltops Shiraz is a crisp, tight example of high-elevation Syrah from interior New South Wales. It's medium to full-bodied, with ample raspberry fruit, silky tannins and a tart, mouthwatering finish.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Scattered among the yellow hills, orchards and olive groves of the Hilltops region are some of Australia’s most friendly, down-to-earth wineries. While it’s a bit warmer than its northeastern neighbor, Orange, the cool summer nights and dry fall season in Hilltops allow relatively late harvest dates and thus the production of a wide range of wines. Hilltops produces powerful reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz as well as charming Chardonnay and food-friendly Semillon.