St. Hugo Single Vineyard Barossa Valley Koch Shiraz 2018

Product Information: An exclusive release reserved for exceptional vintages, the 2018 St. Hugo Single Vineyard Barossa Valley Koch Shiraz is a masterful example of classical Barossa Shiraz. This wine opens with a captivating bouquet, evoking dusty book covers, mustard powder, and wild forest berries touched with a hint of smoke. The palate is richly layered, showcasing dense fruit character alongside fine, chalky tannins and fresh, berry-driven acidity. Elegantly structured yet opulent, this wine is ready to be enjoyed now but will continue to develop beautifully over the coming years. An exquisite choice for those seeking a true Barossa classic. Maker: St. Hugo’s heritage is rooted in the legacy of Hugo Gramp, a visionary and the grandson of Johann Gramp, who founded Gramp & Sons winery in 1847. Every bottle of St. Hugo wine is crafted to honour Hugo’s dedication to the land and his passion for creating world-class wines. First released in 1980, St. Hugo wines embody power, elegance, and the deep character of their origin. The Koch Shiraz, sourced from vines planted nearly a century ago in Barossa’s Rowland Flat, exemplifies this heritage, delivering rich, dark fruits and a plush opulence unique to the subregion. With vines dating back to 1921, the Koch vineyard is a testament to Barossa’s enduring viticultural legacy. These ancient vines, weathered and twisted by time, reflect the resilience and character of the land. Grown in the Rowland Flat subregion, the grapes develop intense, dark fruit profiles with a remarkable balance of power and finesse. Crafted without compromise, this single-vineyard Shiraz encapsulates the nuanced sub-regional qualities of Barossa Valley, offering depth, intensity, and a seamless structure that speaks to St. Hugo’s unwavering commitment to quality. The Philosophy: St. Hugo is redefining elegance in Barossa Shiraz, reviving the traditional craftsmanship and style that resonates with new generations of wine lovers. Embracing the classic character of Barossa, St. Hugo’s single-vineyard Shiraz range showcases wines that celebrate depth and refinement. The brand’s recent focus on single-vineyard releases underscores a dedication to authenticity, with each bottle reflecting a commitment to releasing wines only when the vintage is deemed truly exceptional. This philosophy has yielded a remarkable portfolio, with the 2018 and 2021 vintages standing out as celebrated examples, including the highly regarded Koch, Fabal, and Flint wines. Nose – Baking Spices, Raspberry, Smoky Cedar A deep crimson colour introduces aromas of rich blackberry, black cherry, and dark chocolate, layered with notes of baking spices, graphite, pressed flowers, cedar, and crushed stone. Palate – Dense Fruits, Earthy, Chocolate Tannins Exceptional concentration of dense, ripe fruits with a remarkable balance of chalky, chocolatey tannins and earthy undertones that carry through with impressive length. Finish – Cassis, Sweet Spice, Toasty Finish Solid tannins and lively acidity add vibrancy, leading to a long, cedary finish with hints of cassis and sweet spice, leaving a lingering impression of toasted oak. Sourced from a 1921-planted single vineyard on the banks of Jacob’s Creek in Rowland Flat. Deep crimson with intense chocolatey blackberry and black cherry fruits cut with hints of baking spices, graphite, pressed flowers, cedar and crushed stone. Excellent concentration with stunning fruit density and balance throughout its length, the chalky cut of chocolate tannins providing gentle support and finishing long with a sweep of spice, cassis and kirsch. Superb stuff. – Dave Brooks, Halliday Wine Companion, 96 Points. From 1921 plantings comes this beautifully open knit Barossan Shiraz with its generous layers of plush red fruits underlined by leathery spices and new oak, all well matched. A more traditional palate follows already showing savoury earthiness aged notes, with fruit pastille complexity. Solid tannins and a juiciness to the acidity provide vitality leading up to a lingering, cedary finish. It feels close to peak although it will hold for some years to come. – Angus Hughson, winepilot.com, 93 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintage – 2018 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14.5% Closure – Cork Peak Drinking Window – Now-2033