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Description
When it comes to Nero d’Avola in Australia, Brash Higgins is the benchmark. Brad Hickey was the first to graft Nero in McLaren Vale back in 2009, and this 13th vintage proves just how well this Sicilian native has adapted to its adopted home.
The 2023 growing season was a wettish one, producing low yields and fresh acidity. The fruit was hand-picked in early March, after a warm and breezy February helped ease the ripening process. As always, the NDV is crafted with a deep respect for tradition - wild fermented and aged on skins for six months in locally made, beeswax-lined amphoras, allowing pure, unadulterated Nero character to shine.
Crimson-hued and beautifully aromatic, it’s full of mezcal, black cherry, tomato, Indian spices, and stem ginger, with that signature orange peel note adding complexity. The palate is pomegranate, dark raspberry, and morello cherry, balanced by refreshing sweet-sour acidity - almost like a Negroni in wine form. Fine tannins, savoury grip, and mouthwatering length make it impossible to put down.
A wild, textural, and utterly compelling Nero d’Avola, this is Brash Higgins at its best - and a must for fans of adventurous, amphora-aged reds.
93 points
"It’s medium weight, a little high toned but pretty easygoing for the style, with its savouriness and fresh finish making it a handy wine at table."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)
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