The 2021 vintage has produced a wine of intensity, elegance, tension, and purity that is complete and age worthy.
In what was a wonderful vintage, the grapes were harvested over any extended period from the last week of February in the Northwest of the Valley to the end of March in Ebenezer. Approximately 60% coming from the north of the valley in the Greenock and Ebenezer sub regions, while the remaining 40% was sourced from the south of the valley.
AROMA- Graphite, coco, and slate overlayed with blackberry, coffee and dense raspberry.
TASTE- Textural and mouthcoating with dense dark reds fruits, that are directional and precise, overlayed with long fine tannins and subtle French oak.
Cellar carefully up to 2036
95 Points - Dave Brookes - Halliday Wine Companion 2024 "There's pedigree in the name St Hugo, we all know that, and though it's often the cabernet sauvignon that springs to mind, its 2021 shiraz is a cracker. Deep magenta-splashed crimson in the glass with classic Barossa aromas of dark plum and berry fruits cut with fruitcake spice, bay leaf, licorice, blueberry pie, 'Old Gold' chocolate and creamy oak. Fruit pure with a velvety tannin grip and a creamy, chocolatey edge as it sails over the palate. To be honest, it's pretty delicious now but has the structure to cellar nicely over the next decade or so."
95 Points- Mike Bennie - The Wine Front 2024 "Decidedly red fruited with elements of darker, stewed and fresh forest berries. Choc-mocha notes, touches of mint, salt bush, Xmas cake nuts and spice, chocolate milk too. Good sense of balance, elegance in a way, yet density and richness too. This has a good vibe. Well balanced in its bold way. Impressive. 95 points, 2024-2040"
95 Points- Tyson Stelzer - Tysonstelzer.com 2024 "There is a classical harmony and allure to Barossa shiraz in the cool and late 2021 harvest, but only for those estates that achieved proper ripeness. The Jacob’s Creek red winemaking team have conjured one of their finest expressions of St Hugo Shiraz, centred on a core of blackberries and satsuma plums and confidently structured with firm, fine tannins. Dark chocolate and liquorice spin out of the confluence of high class fruit and distinguished oak."
95 Points - Ken Gargett - Wine Pilot 2023 "The history of the St Hugo label is such that many winelovers assume it is the Coonawarra Cabernet first, with everything else second and bringing up the rear. Don’t be fooled. The current Cab is a cracker but for me, the pick of the trio is this brilliant Barossa Shiraz. Perhaps that is because it enjoys the benefit of a wonderful year while the Cab lags a year behind in its releases (not to suggest that 2020 is not a good vintage – just that 2021 is something a bit special). Black/maroon hue, this is bold, intense and exuberant. With its lifted aromatics and rich flavours, it is the very personification of a top Barossa Shiraz. Chocolate, aniseed, bay leaves, soy, blackberries and hints of delicatessen meats with exquisitely balanced and well-integrated oak. Supple, fresh, youthful and neatly balanced. Excellent focus with satiny tannins and very good length. This has ten to fifteen years ahead of it. A cracker indeed. Love it. Drink Now - 2038"
Gold Medal- National Wine Show of Australia 2025
Gold Medal - Royal Queensland Show 2024
Gold Medal - Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada 2024
Gold Medal - Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2023
Gold Medal - Royal Perth Wine Show 2023
Gold Medal - Drinks Business Syrah Masters 2023
