Barwang Shiraz 2009
The pioneering barwang Vineyard, near Young in the cool hills of southern NSW, was established in 1969 by grazier Peter Robertson. In 1989, the entire property was purchased by McWillam's Wines, who have expanded the orginal 12-hectare vineyard to more than 100 hectares. it's an isolated pocket of viticulture, cool, often windswept and currently very dry, but the McWilliams' Barwang wines are regional benchmarks, balanced, tasty and ageworthy. Ralph Kyte-Powell
Peter Robertson pioneered viticulture in the Young region when he planted his first vines in 1975 as part of a diversification programme for his 400-hectare grazing property. When McWilliam's acquired Barwang in 1989, the vineyard amounted to 13 hectares; today the plantings exceed 100 hectares. Wine quality has been exemplary from the word go, always elegant, restrained and deliberately understated, repaying extended cellaring. James Halliday
Overall, the Shiraz has been the best performer in a classy stable. Each vintage has been extremely good, with very clear varietal character...James Halliday
The exemplary Barwang Cabernet Sauvignon, Barwang Shiraz and Barwang limited release Merlot are all grossly undervalued considering overall quality. It is difficult to see these wines performing strongly on secondary market for some time, but they are worth seeking out. 2001 vintage report: 9/10 Some local identities called 2001 "the best ever" in the Canberra District. A wet spring that replenished soil moistures was followed by a very hot summer and then a cool dry long autumn. Very intense fruit with naturally high acidities and above average Baume levels. Hilltops experienced similar conditions. A very good vintage, especially for reds.
This is an emerging regional wine typified by McWilliam's Barwang Vineyard Shiraz. The style is soft and plump with plenty of choco-berry fruit flavours, high concentration and slinky tannin structures. New entrants such as Chalker's Crossing have impressed some critics, the winemaker recently winning the Qantas Medal for Young Winemaker of the Year. McWilliam's Barwang Vineyard produces approximately 25% of the region's wine. Andrew Calliard MW
McWillaims isolated Barwang vineayrd in the southern NSW highlands makes benchmark regional wines. The Shiraz is a toasty, complete drop with blueberry/blackberry fruit attractively touched by the mocha-like influence of toasty oak. The palate is smooth and perfectly balanced with true finesse." 5 stars Epicure Uncorked
