Hobbs Gregor Shiraz 2018 is a Barossa Valley Shiraz made using the Appassimento (semi-dried grape) method. Its concentration,
alcohol content, and rating are all exceptionally high (RP 98 points), making it a must-have for serious wine connoisseurs.
Basic Information: Winery/Region: Hobbs of Barossa Ranges, located in the hillside region of Barossa Valley, South Australia.
Grapes: 100% Shiraz, hand-harvested from old-vine vineyards in the highlands.
Winemaking Method: Utilizes the traditional Appassimento (semi-dried) technique, where the grapes are first air-dried on racks for a period to concentrate the sugars and flavors before pressing and fermentation.
Alcohol Content: Labelled at approximately 15.8%, this is a very high-alcohol, ultra-concentrated red wine.
Rating: 98 points from Robert Parker/Wine Advocate, described as a "blockbuster" and a level of wine that "you have to try it to believe how exaggerated it is." Flavor and Style
Aroma: Intense blueberry, blackberry, ripe plum, blackberry jam, with hints of mint, vanilla, dark chocolate, sweet spices (clove, cinnamon), and a touch of smoky oak.
Palmistry: Extremely full-bodied, with fruit flavors concentrated to a pulpy/jam-like consistency, bursting with ripe blueberry, blackberry, dark chocolate, coffee, licorice, and a touch of vanilla oak; the tannins are fine yet substantial, combined with high acidity, maintaining balance despite the wine's fullness.
Finish: Very long, filled with ripe fruit, chocolate, spices, and a slight alcoholic warmth, described as "velvety waves of super ripe fruit" and "a finish that must be tasted to be believed."
Style positioning: It's like a Barossa version of "Shiraz that's somewhat similar to Amarone" - using air-drying technology to increase the concentration, but without the heavy raisin feel of Italian Amarone, emphasizing the bold style of Barossa black fruit + chocolate + spices.