A lot can happen over the span of 170 years. Just think, our Australian ancestors back in 1853 were yet to enjoy the thrill of aviation travel, the confusion of decimal currency or the convenience of an air fryer, but that’s not to say they went without flavour. For all that time, Australian icon Hardys Wines has stood strong, a shining beacon of local ingenuity and craftsmanship laid bare in each barrel. Needless to say, after 170 years at the top of the Aussie wine game, it’s about time we raised a glass to the legends.
Related: The $40 Australian Cabernet Sauvignon That Was Just Named ‘World’s Best’
Marking the milestone moment, Hardys Wines has unveiled a new ‘masterpiece’, entitled ‘The Eight’. An exceptional blend of 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, the drop embodies everything Hardys fans have come to know and love. Effortlessly full-bodied and bursting with rich, complex flavours, The Eight comes across as wicked on the palate, ideal for a decadent meal.
Importantly, ‘The Eight’ isn’t simply a rehashing of old techniques and grapes. For this milestone release, winemaker Helen McCarthy and her team ventured to the far reaches of the estate, looking for fruit that encapsulated the diverse terroir of Hardys’ native South Australia. What they unearthed were three exceptional parcels from three esteemed vineyards – Frankland River, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra – which led to the creation of something beyond even McCarthy’s wildest dreams.
“This wine epitomises our tireless pursuit of excellence,” McCarthy said. “By meticulously handpicking the finest grapes from three iconic regions, we have created a wine that harmoniously combines their unique attributes. ‘The Eight’ is a testament to the immense potential of Australian wines and an experience that will delight wine enthusiasts around the world.”
Being a generous mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, ‘The Eight’ is on the darker side and as a result, offers a unique balance of bold flavours. Specifically, the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes a refined structure and rigid tannins, while the Shiraz helps add depth, richness, and a hint of spice. What you’re left with, as McCarthy explains, is a wine that “captivates the senses with its complex layers of dark fruits, subtle notes of chocolate, and a lingering, velvety finish”.
“It is a wine of outstanding dark fruit intensity, concentration, structure, and length that will continue to develop complexity for decades.”
‘The Eight’ is a special edition release, limited to just 2,004 bottles worldwide. Priced at AUD$250, you can score one of these commemorative drops across Sydney and Melbourne global travel retailers, as well as the official Hardys website.
