Briar Ridge Vineyard’s latest ensemble of Single Vineyard red wines, particularly the 2021 ‘Dairy Hill’ Shiraz, the 2021 ‘Big Bully’ Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2022 ‘Hillrose’ Shiraz, are nothing short of a wine lover’s dream. The ‘Dairy Hill’ Shiraz, a medium-bodied wine, is a testament to the exceptional conditions at Mountain View estate, offering an elegant floral lift with a robust red fruit palate, subtly enhanced by savoury and spiced undertones, making it an excellent choice for immediate enjoyment or long-term cellaring.
The ‘Big Bully’ Cabernet Sauvignon, a deeply memorable vintage, is a testament to the optimal ripening conditions that 2021 brought. Its hallmark attributes include its intense colour, rich flavour, and pronounced tannin, as well as a deep ruby-purple hue that is simply striking. The wine’s bold blackcurrant and herbal aromas are perfectly complemented by the concentrated blackberry jam and cassis undertones, culminating in a crisp, linear finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, the ‘Hillrose’ Shiraz stands out as Briar Ridge Vineyard’s first cool-climate Shiraz, benefiting from a long growing season that has imparted it with rich ripe berry fruit flavours and tannins. This medium-bodied red wine exudes freshness and complexity, offering a deep ruby hue and revealing concentrated blueberry and blackberry cherry fruits. Earthy notes and smooth, crisp acidity tie it all together, ensuring this wine is a standout in its category.
The Briar Ridge Single Vineyard reds, including the 2021 ‘Dairy Hill’ Shiraz, the 2021 ‘Big Bully’ Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2022 ‘Hillrose’ Shiraz, are available for purchase at an RRP of $65.00 from the Briar Ridge website. Experience the magic of contemporary winemaking, steeped in tradition and the unique terroir of Mount View, with every sip of these award-winning wines.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Mountain View, a perfect patch of land for winemaking in the Hunter Valley region, Briar Ridge Vineyard stands as a beacon of quality, tradition, and innovation. With a history dating back to 1972, the vineyard has been producing unique and outstanding wines for almost half a century. The unique climate and rich soil coupled with innovative winemaking techniques that blend traditional practices with contemporary methods result in wines that stand apart in the region.
At the heart of Briar Ridge Vineyard is winemaker Alex Beckett, a passionate and dedicated craftsman who began his career at the Tyrrells cellar door right here in the Hunter. After honing his skills at the University of Adelaide, Alex returned to the region in 2016 to work with Gwyn Olsen as Assistant Winemaker. His style is a hybrid of modern techniques with historical references and minimal intervention, constantly looking to Europe and the early years of Australian winemaking for inspiration.
Alex’s philosophy of continuous learning and his willingness to experiment with alternative varieties result in the production of single-vineyard wines that are exciting, unique, and sell out within the year. His dedication to improving the vineyard allows the wines to become a pure reflection of their origin. Recognised as an up-and-coming star in the wine industry and the winner of the 2022 Young Achiever of the Year at the Hunter Legend Awards, Alex is also studying in the Institute of Masters of Wine Study Program.
Beyond his dedication to winemaking, Alex enjoys walking his dog, Bear, at the park, and immersing himself in books and podcasts about the wine industry. His favourite Briar Ridge wine is the Dairy Hill Semillon, but he has a soft spot for dark beer when he’s not indulging in wine.
Briar Ridge Vineyard is more than just a winery; it’s a destination, a place that invites guests to experience the winemaking process from growth to glass. Reward your curious nature and immerse yourself in a vineyard that speaks to a sense of place that’s different from the Hunter proper. Experience the magic of winemaking steeped in tradition, innovation, and the unique terroir of Mountain View at Briar Ridge Vineyard.