Australian Shiraz

AS A WRITER, I’m also a storyteller and I love to hear a story told. Wine-tasting notes always hint at a naming right and it gets me on the hook, wanting to know more. Such was the case with the namesake of this top shiraz. Tell me more about this Mr Killerman who was so impressive that he inspired this wine. I’m told he lived in a humble tin shed in the hills behind Kilikanoon, but how did he end up there? Was he born in the shed? If so, where did his family go? If not, did he construct the shed? I’m told he was a hermit, but what about his life drove him to need total solitude? I’m told he foraged for his meals, but who taught him that skill and if he knew the secrets of the land, then what was his relationship with the Ngadjuri, the traditional owners of the land?

To my mind you need to be an impressive person who has had an impact to have a range of wines named after you. So why two lines only about the life of the legendary Mr Killerman? Perhaps people are more interested in knowing about the wine and, I admit, that’s understandable because this impressive shiraz really stood out for our judges with its rich red colour in the glass and aromas of sunwarmed blueberries and dark ripe fruit sitting alongside sweet oak spice. The palate is fresh and midweighted with bright acidity and polished tannins. A wine made with restraint and finesse and good to the last drop... whatever the story. Hancocks Family Merchants - hancocks.co.nz