Hewitson ‘1853’ Shiraz Mourvèdre 2021 is a blockbuster Barossa red, a 50/50 blend of Monopole Shiraz and Old Garden Mourvèdre from vines planted in 1853, selected as the best barrel of each in the cellar. It is immensely concentrated, deeply coloured and built as a long‑term cellar wine of serious pedigree.

Aromatically it is incredibly complex: expect layers of blackberry, mulberry, plum and cassis with redcurrant and jubey raspberry, interwoven with mocha, chocolate wafer, raisin teacake, vanilla, cedar and nutmeg, plus potpourri, violet, bouquet garni, sage, bay leaf, roast meats, nori, cola spice and ferrous, earthy notes. The palate is dense, muscular and opulent yet surprisingly poised, with dark fruits, meaty and iodine savouriness, umami, spice and warm earth held together by very fine but firm, tightly knit tannins, sour‑cherry freshness and outstanding length; it is expected to age effortlessly for 20 years or more.

Food‑wise, think big: slow‑roast lamb shoulder, beef short rib, osso buco, venison, rich game stews or deeply flavoured mushroom dishes, plus aged hard cheeses, where the wine’s power, tannin and umami can really flex. With multiple critics putting it in the very high‑90s and describing it as one of the best iterations of this cuvée to date, Hewitson ‘1853’ Shiraz Mourvèdre 2021 is a collector‑level Barossa icon best opened on a special occasion or left to slumber in the cellar.