VINOUS | Angus Hughson

Angus Hughson is a digital wine media specialist, drinks communicator and publisher who tells the great Australian wine story through various roles including Australian Editor for Vinous, Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark due in 2023, regular columnist in The Australian, contributing writer to Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine, founder of Winepilot and the co-publisher of The Vintage Journal. – AH

Barossa and Clare Valley: The Champion and the Contender 

“Recent vintages have seen some changes in the Barossa. This is in part a stylistic evolution as new ideas have taken hold thanks to a younger generation of winemakers striving to make their mark. Cooler years have required thoughtful winemaking and greater agility from winemakers to make the best of these unusual seasons, particularly 2023. Despite significant climate challenges, I was pleased to see that some impressive wines emerged in 2023 from winemakers who adapted best to the conditions. Better still, these wines help to remind the wine-drinking public that the Barossa is not a one-trick pony. The region does not need to rely on hot, dry seasons to craft stylish wines. .” – AH
– Read on here – Barossa and Clare Valley: The Champion and the Contender

2022 SPIRIT OF PLACE | 95 POINTS
Ebeneezer, Barossa Valley Shiraz | RARE RELEASES

“The single-vineyard 2022 Shiraz Spirit of Place, from a vineyard planted in 1918, is a seductive Barossan. This slowly gives up its secrets, with aromas of ham bone, potpourri and sage emerging from the glass along with wafts of plum and dark chocolate. It is medium-bodied and distinctly savory with an underlying theme of earth and spice. A core of firm acidity and tannins looms large over the long, strong, dark-fruited finish.” – AH Drinking Window: 2030 - 2042

2020 AEROPE | 93 POINTS
Barossa Valley Grenache | FLAGSHIP SERIES

“The 2020 Grenache Aerope is showing a little development with blackberry and leather aromas supported by layers of charcuterie and dusty spices. This is flavorsome with strong roasted meat tones and sandy tannins that support a very long, fine finish.” – AH Drinking Window: 2025 - 2032

2022 BELLA'S GARDEN | 93 POINTS
Barossa Valley Shiraz | GARDEN SERIES

“This bold, chocolate-laced 2022 Shiraz Bella's Garden opens with a broad swath of berry fruits lifted by red earthy tones and a gentle splash of spice. It is mouth-filling with impressive concentration and generous tannins that provide a long, strong finish. The 2022 is an excellent vintage for the label.” – AH Drinking Window: 2026 - 2035

2022 CHARLIE'S GARDEN | 92 POINTS
Eden Valley Shiraz | GARDEN SERIES

“The 2022 Shiraz Charlie's Garden is classic Eden Valley with detailed aromas of black olive and rubbed sage against a backdrop of licorice. This is compact and youthful with delicious tension and bite, thanks to fine acidity and meaty, chewy tannins. It is young and has plenty to look forward to.” – AH Drinking Window: 2028 - 2036

2023 BRAVE FACES | 92 POINTS
Barossa Valley GMS | PICTURE SERIES

“The 2023 Brave Faces has a Cotes-du-Rhône Villages feel to it with sweet kirsch and blackberry balanced with savory tones of garrigue and dried meat. This is medium-bodied and well composed with a balanced mix of fruit and sandy tannins. The 2023 finishes with impressive length.” – AH Drinking Window: 2025 - 2030

2023 GNARLY DUDES | 90 POINTS
Barossa Valley Shiraz | PICTURE SERIES

“The 2023 Shiraz Gnarly Dude is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its plush aromas of licorice and plum compote with a subtle dusting of violet. Its supple textures and length are appealing. Sandy tannins provide some aging potential” – AH Drinking Window: 2025 - 2030