Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz

About this wine

The Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is the undisputed flagship of Brokenwood Wines and a benchmark for Hunter Valley winemaking. Sourced from a single historic vineyard planted in 1968 on heavy red clay soils in Pokolbin, its first vintage was released in 1983. In December 2023 it was elevated to Langtons 1st Classified — the only red wine from New South Wales and the only Shiraz from Hunter Valley to achieve this honour. It displays a medium-bodied profile with complex aromas of dark plum, blackberry, iron, blood, earth, and spice. The palate is defined by supple silky tannins, vibrant natural acidity, and a persistent finish that evolves beautifully over two to three decades of cellaring.

Sommelier's Note

"Langtons 1st Classified, 99 points from Halliday — this is the pinnacle of Hunter Valley Shiraz. Its ability to balance iron-laced power with extraordinary grace over decades is unmatched; a legendary wine every serious enthusiast must experience at least once."

Food Pairings

Pairs superbly with roasted rack of lamb, slow-braised lamb shoulder, dry-aged ribeye steak, and wild mushroom ragout. The wine's earthy, iron-tinged character makes it equally compelling alongside game birds such as duck or partridge.

When to drink it

Perfect for milestone celebrations, formal dinners, or as the centrepiece of a serious collector's tasting. Best given at least 5–10 years of cellaring after release; great vintages reward patience with extraordinary complexity over 25–30 years.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Shiraz

Style

Red

Price Range

¥45,000-65,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Hand-picked from old vines (planted 1968) on heavy red clay soils with yields averaging approximately 1 tonne per acre. Grapes are 100% destemmed and fermented in open vats with hand plunging multiple times daily. A 3-day cold soak precedes a 5–6 day fermentation at 24–26 °C. Matured for 14–18 months in French oak puncheons using 1–3 year old oak only (no new oak), preserving exceptional fruit purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this wine stand out from other Australian Shiraz?

It holds Langtons 1st Classified status — the only Shiraz from Hunter Valley ever to achieve this honour — and has been produced from the same old-vine vineyard (planted 1968) since 1983, giving it unrivalled depth of history and provenance.

What does it taste like?

It offers a sophisticated profile of dark plum, blackberry, iron, blood, and spice with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish marked by vibrant natural acidity. Think elegance, not brute power.

What should I pair it with?

It excels alongside rich red meats such as lamb or dry-aged beef. For Japanese cuisine, wagyu charcoal-grilled with soy tare, roasted duck, or miso-braised beef are ideal matches.

When is the best time to drink it?

Enjoyable upon release, but built for long-term ageing. It reaches peak complexity after 10–20 years in the cellar, with great vintages capable of developing for 30 years or more.

Is this a good investment wine?

Yes. As Langtons 1st Classified, it is among Australia's most actively traded wines at auction. Buying young and cellaring for a decade or more is the classic strategy adopted by Australian collectors.