Old Hillside was first planted in 1867. These original Shiraz vines still survive and are the oldest in NSW. Realising the potential of the site, the vineyard was expanded in the 1960s using cuttings of these 1867 vines. Old Hillside, as a wine, comes from these 60-year-old 'young vines.'
There is a lot of depth and power here, especially for a Hunter Valley Shiraz. There is a gorgeous lift of lavender and dark plum, but also a deep core of liquorice, blood plum, sour cherries and dried flowers. With some time in the glass a bit of forest floor and leather starts to appear, along with a bit of rich Black Forest cake. It's old school Hunter Valley Shiraz, and the closest thing to a 'big, gutsy red' you'll find from the region.