2013 Drayton’s Family William Shiraz

Hand-picked from the dry-grown Old Flat Vineyard planted in the early 20th century, crushed and destemmed, fermented in open vats with heading down boards, matured for 11 months in used French oak. The vintage was overshadowed by ’14, but was a very good one in its own right – as this wine demonstrates. The colour is still crimsonpurple; perfectly ripe fruit is seamlessly joined by fine, savoury tannins and integrated oak. It’s a classic medium-bodied Hunter shiraz, eminently drinkable tonight, or many years after my ashes have been scattered. 14% alc. RRP $60 / 2043 / Drayton’s Family Wines ★★★★★ draytonswines.com.au