Wines Hunter Valley Tempus Two - Cabernet Shiraz - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Tempus Two's 2022 Cabernet Shiraz hails from the iconic Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia. This wine showcases a classic Australian blend, marrying Cabernet Sauvignon's structure and blackcurrant notes with the generous, spicy fruit and suppleness of Shiraz. The 2022 vintage benefitted from a mild climate, allowing slow ripening and resulting in particularly expressive fruit. The wine typically exhibits deep ruby hues, aromas of blackberry, plum, and cassis, intertwined with touches of eucalyptus, pepper, and soft oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied, offering smooth tannins, bright acidity, and a lingering finish, thanks to careful fermentation and maturation in both French and American oak.

Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine regions, is celebrated for its unique terroir. The region experiences a warm, humid climate with cooling sea breezes from the Pacific Ocean, favouring balanced ripening and preserving freshness in the grapes. Soils range from basalt loam to sandy alluvials, contributing to the complexity of the final wines. With over 180 years of history, Hunter Valley is particularly known for its Semillon and Shiraz, yet innovative blends such as Cabernet Shiraz are a testament to the area’s adaptability and pioneering spirit in Australian viticulture.

For culinary pairings, this Cabernet Shiraz is wonderfully versatile. It complements grilled red meats such as lamb cutlets or beef sirloin, and is also excellent with barbecued dishes, reflecting its Australian roots. Regional classics like slow-cooked beef brisket with native spices or kangaroo fillet pair beautifully, as do hearty mushroom or eggplant stews for a vegetarian option. The wine’s spice and depth also enhance flavours in aged cheeses such as cheddar or blue.

To fully appreciate the wine’s aromatic complexity and balanced structure, serve it slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for half an hour before tasting will help soften the tannins and allow its fruit and spice profile to shine. Enjoy over the next five to eight years for optimum expression.