Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz - POA

Winemaking and Drinking

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A Legacy in Every Glass

Few wines in Australia hold the storied prestige of the Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. With roots deep in the Hunter Valley and a reputation that resonates internationally, this iconic wine is not just a benchmark of Australian Shiraz but a living chronicle of viticultural dedication, terroir, and time.

Origins and History

The Graveyard Vineyard began life with no plans for vines at all. The land, located on the outskirts of Pokolbin in New South Wales, was originally earmarked for a cemetery in the 19th century. However, the site was never used for that purpose, earning its evocative name without ever becoming a final resting place. In 1968, a group of Sydney-based lawyers and businessmen, including Tony Albert, John Beeston, and James Halliday — names that would later become synonymous with the Australian wine scene — founded Brokenwood Wines. Their early vision was simple yet ambitious: to craft premium wines from carefully selected sites.

In 1970, the group secured the Graveyard site, recognizing its potential despite its humble appearance. The vineyard’s rich, red clay soils over limestone and a slightly elevated, warm microclimate made it ideal for growing Shiraz, even though Hunter Valley was more commonly associated with Semillon at the time. Their gamble paid off: by the late 1970s, Shiraz from this vineyard was showing extraordinary depth, elegance, and an unmistakable sense of place.

By the 1980s, the Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz had become the flagship wine for the estate, establishing a new Hunter Valley standard for full bodied, cellar-worthy Shiraz.

Tasting Notes

Each vintage of the Graveyard Shiraz offers a glimpse into the season’s nuances, yet certain hallmark characteristics remain constant. In the glass, the wine typically unveils a deep, almost inky garnet hue with purple flashes at the rim. The nose is complex and inviting, weaving together aromas of dark berries, black olives, cracked pepper, earthy notes, and a subtle smokiness. A whisper of Hunter Valley’s signature savory tones — often compared to charcuterie or leather — emerges as the wine breathes.

On the palate, the Graveyard Shiraz is a masterclass in balance. Concentrated black fruits, such as blackberry and mulberry, dominate the first impression, but they are swiftly complemented by layers of spice, cedar, and fine grained tannins. A restrained acidity ensures freshness and longevity, while meticulous oak integration — often using a combination of new and seasoned French barrels — adds texture without overpowering the fruit.

As the wine matures, it develops further complexity, with tertiary notes of truffle, dried herbs, and tobacco unfolding gracefully over decades.

Awards and Accolades

The Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is often cited among Australia's elite single vineyard wines. In 2007, it achieved an exceptional milestone when Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine — the ultimate authority on fine Australian wine — placed it in the "Exceptional" category, a distinction reserved for wines of consistent excellence and extraordinary reputation.

Numerous vintages have scored 95 points or higher from leading wine critics, including James Halliday, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and Decanter. In 2018, Brokenwood celebrated when the 2014 Graveyard Shiraz won Best Red Wine of Show at the Royal Sydney Wine Show, further cementing its reputation among judges and consumers alike.

Beyond trophies and points, however, it is the wine’s enduring legacy and loyal following that speak loudest. For collectors, sommeliers, and enthusiasts, the Graveyard Shiraz is a must have cornerstone of any serious Australian wine collection — a testament to the unique beauty of the Hunter Valley and the visionaries who dared to plant vines on an old, forgotten field.

The Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is more than just a wine; it is a story bottled — a story of innovation, resilience, and reverence for the land. With every vintage, Brokenwood continues to honor the vineyard’s legacy, crafting wines that offer not just powerful flavor but a tangible connection to history, place, and passion.