It’s time to enjoy some drinking and driving (at home) because Daniel Ricciardo has dropped his latest collaborative effort with St Hugo wines just in time for the Australian Grand Prix. Named DR3 II x St Hugo, the homegrown Formula One superstar has produced two limited released vintages with all-new labelling – a 2018 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 South Australia Shiraz. Yet, it’s the hand-blown ‘Ricciardo Decanter’ that has captivated racing and vino fans worldwide. Inspired by Ricciardo’s podium celebration and modelled after the driver’s shoe, this piece of craftsmanship is the perfect way to enjoy a drink on race day. Who says Aussies have no culture?
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Image: St Hugo
The latest release represents the next level of Ricciardo’s winemaking journey, where he has applied a greater understanding of the blending and creative process. “There is so much passion, and craftsmanship that goes into winemaking and learning about the process has been incredible.”, says Ricciardo. “This year’s release has a lot more of my personal input and involvement in the blending process for the wine. I’ve thought about how I want people to experience this wine, balancing my love of full flavour and what I call the ‘explosion’ on your tastebuds, in a way that is delicious and makes you smile as you pour a glass.”
Image: St Hugo
The New DR3 x St Hugo Wines
Working with St Hugo Chief Winemaker Peter Munro, Ricciardo has deepened his involvement since the incredibly successful DR3 x St Hugo series launch in 2021. In a press statement, Munro praised the McLaren driver’s hands-on approach to the winemaking process, which saw him shape, structure and flavour profile the latest release more than ever before.
“Daniel’s creativity and consideration in understanding the nuances of winemaking is impressive and inspiring. He has an excellent intuition when it comes to flavour, and the result is fruit-forward wines that reflect his personality – lively and joyful, open and approachable, but also serious at the core.” Said Peter Munro, Chief Winemaker at St Hugo.”
DR3 x St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – 750 ml – AU$70
The Coonawarra Cabernet intends to highlight the distinctive regional characteristics of fruit grown on terra rossa soil over limestone. It is described as structural with regional blackcurrant fruit, and it has a fruit-forward style with long fine tannins designed to ensure graceful ageing over 10 to 15 years.
DR3 x St Hugo South Australia Shiraz 2020 – 750ml: AU$70 / 1.5 Ltr: AU$140 / 3 Ltr: AU$260 / 6 Ltr: AU$500
The South Australian Shiraz 2020 is the product of individually created parcels sourced from various South Australian regions, matured in oak for 14 months, then blended. Dark berry fruit underpins the elegant and expressive modern example of this South Australian Shiraz.
Image: St Hugo
The Ricciardo Decanter
Designed by Sydney-based studio Vert Design, the team experimented for over 100 hours with detailed surface textures, volumetric, pouring angles, and ergonomics as they attempted to create functional objects while remaining true to Ricciardo’s shoe. Described by Ricciardo as “aerodynamic with finely tuned curves”, the Ricciardo Decanter has been painstakingly hand-blown and moulded at Canberra Glassworks, producing unique individual collector’s pieces.
The vessel holds a standard bottle of wine and is designed to deliver an optimal release of the wine’s flavours and aromas. Additionally, it allows the wine to breathe, elevating its character before pouring (or skulling after a podium finish…) With only 1,100 available, each decanter is individually numbered and presented in a trophy case inspired display box and includes a letter from Ricciardo and a certificate of authenticity.
“The Ricciardo Decanter has been heavily engineered like no other,” says Mitchell Brown, Senior Industrial Designer at Vert Design. “It is a powerful and elegant statement piece that will become the centre of attention in any home bar or dining room table”.
The DR3 II x St Hugo wines and Ricciardo Decanter are now available exclusively online.
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