2008 in the Hunter was the worst year since 1971 the locals reckon. I prefer to think of it as the most entertaining vintage I’ve done. The thing is, 2008 was actually a fantastically well set up year, which copped a gutful of rain. It was a year of great potential, but few recognised that potential.

James Lusby, our neighbour at Tintilla was kind enough to sell us 2 ton of Shiraz (it’s a poorly kept secret how much I admire James’ work at Tintilla, they are fantastically well looked after vines). The wine was made and aged in 2 year old puncheons (500L barrels) for 12 months. It is a wine that harks back to the styles that Michael grew up drinking, soft, medium bodied wines that pair up well with food. There are enough blockbusters made at Piggs Peake, its nice to have an alternative like this.