Winemaker's Comments

Inspired by Hunter Valley winemaking legends such as Maurice O’Shea and Murray Tyrrell, this is a modern spin on the traditional Shiraz Pinot Noir blends of days gone by. The name “DJV” refers to the feeling of déja vu that you may well experience when tasting this wine, and is our tribute to the traditional “Hunter River Burgundy” style.

The wine is an intriguing blend of Shiraz (56%) from the Fordwich Hill and Vanessa Vale vineyards, and Pinot Noir (44%) from the original Terrace Vale (now Hunters Dream) plantings on the alluvial flats of Deaseys Road.
There was 20% whole bunch inclusion during the fermentation of the Pinot Noir which was followed by 10 months maturation in four-year-old French oak 300L hogsheads.
During our blending process, the Fordwich Hill Shiraz parcel was selected for its bright red fruited aromatics, whilst the Vanessa Vale Shiraz added some punchy weight and tannin structure to the final blend.

This inaugural vintage release of Shiraz Pinot Noir is designed to be enjoyed during the freshness and vibrancy of its youth, but we suspect that some medium-term cellaring would not be out of the question.
Only 270 dozen produced.

"Shiraz and pinot noir! This shiraz was previously spiked with verjus and semillon, now finds a companion in pinot noir. This is 55% shiraz and 45% pinot noir, approximately. First release under this guise.
Attractive perfume of woody spices, dark cherry, red plum, turned earth and pepper. The palate lighter weight in its feel, gently sappy, a tightening corkscrew of graphite-laced tannins. Structured, you could say. Feels quite serious, tightly wound yet refreshing. Tannin quality is great here. The brightness too."
93 Points - Mike Bennie thewinefront.com.au

Trophy - 2024 Hunter Valley Boutique Wines Show (Best 2023 Other Red Varietals or Blends)

Tasting Notes

An enticing nose of flowers, red and black berries with hints of pink pepper and warm herbs within a vivid pale purple colour. The two varietals are interlaced and offer an immediately inviting palate with a silky texture from fine-grained tannins. Flavours of ripe cherry, red plum and black raspberry follow, alongside hints of violet, cassia and ruby chocolate. There is an excellent length of palate with an alluring moreishness.
This wine deliciously sits in the lighter end of the medium-bodied spectrum, but also punches well above its weight.

Bottled - 31st January 2024
Production  - 270 dozen
Released  - 18th May 2024
ABV - 13.2%