Wine Region	McLaren Vale, SA
Wine Maker	John Hugo
Hugo Wines is situated in the McLaren Vale wine region which continues to build on its reputation as a source of quality wines not only from the big national labels but also from some of the smaller boutique wineries.
Hugo Wines date back to 1970 when John Hugo followed in his father's footsteps on the family vineyard at McLaren Flat. John produced his first Shiraz in 1979 and the Cellar Door was opened in October 1982.
John's father Colin Hugo planted the original vines dating back to 1950. The vineyard of approximately 30 hectares includes varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Grenache. Consistency in regard to quality is what Hugo Wines' strive for, and the fact that all of the fruit is estate grown makes the job that much easier. The climate soils and proximity to the coast are also contributing factors in maintaining the quality of the wines produced by the Hugo family.
Over the past 25 years Hugo Wines has received many Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. The Reserve Shiraz is made from the oldest dry grown Shiraz vines on the property. When the old vine Shiraz grapes are processed the wine is kept separate and barrel fermented in new American and French oak hogsheads that have been seasoned for two years. The decision to bottle that wine under the Reserve Label is not made until the finished product is assessed. Hugo Wines produced their first Reserve Shiraz in 1998, for which the most prestigious award received was "Gold" at the 2001 Boutique Wines of Australia, Category 10, Shiraz.
What the critics have to say!
“A winery which came from relative obscurity to prominence in the late 1980’s with some lovely ripe, sweet reds which, while strongly American oak influenced, were quite outstanding. Has picked up the pace again after a dull period in the mid 1990’s. There are 32ha of estate plantings with part of the grape production sold to others.” 2006-Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz – rating 94 points James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion 2010