BROKENWOOD CRICKET PITCH RED 2023

Brokenwood has been awarded James Halliday's Wine Companion Winery of the Year in 2026

Born on a cricket pitch and now firmly in the Aussie hall of fame, Brokenwood’s “Cricket Pitch” Red is as classic as a Boxing Day test match. Drawing fruit from across the country, led by NSW with star cameos from Beechworth and Margaret River, this is a true all-star blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Shiraz (11%), and Merlot (9%).

Cabernet leads the charge with leafy, berry aromatics and ripe, structured fruit, while Shiraz brings a generous hit of spice and plushness. Merlot smooths the edges, rounding things out into a wine that is both immediately appealing and built to go the distance.

It’s the kind of bottle that feels just as at home on a weeknight dinner table as it does at a special gathering; approachable, dependable, and unmistakably Australian. A proper crowd-pleaser with enough structure and finesse to keep the more seasoned palates interested too.

Winery Notes (2023 Vintage)
"The 33rd vintage of Cricket Pitch Red (not counting the 1986) is both multi-varietal and multi-regional. The Cricket Pitch range is named after the block next to where our Cellar Door now stands – a site that was originally intended to be the local cricket ground, though the pitch was never built. The Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot was labelled as Cricket Pitch for the 1991 vintage. Just on 84% coming from New South Wales with the balance being Beechworth and Margaret River. The varietal breakdown is Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Shiraz 11% and Merlot 9%. A good vintage across all regions in 2023 producing ripe, fine tannins with sweet mid-palate fruit. Vinification:- A combination of static and rotary fermenters used, after 2-3 day cold soak prior to ferment. This wine is matured in French oak for up to 18 months with a small percentage (7%) being in new oak barrels.

A lovely mid-depth colour with youthful tints. Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon cassis with leafy berry aromas are to the fore. Ripe Cabernet fruit complimented by the spice and plushness of the Shiraz component. Fine long tannins and acid line will see this age well over the medium term. A lovely drinking wine as always."

91/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"Beautifully styled and complex, the wine shows dark berry, dried herb, cured meat, and mixed spice aromas. It's succulent and supple on the palate, offering a silky texture and grainy tannins, making it sturdy and lingering. At its best: now to 2029."

90/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"A very nice wine, complete with a bouquet of dark berries and violets, plums and clay, some light barrels spices and leesy seams. Dry with a firm texture and nice palate squeeze from the acidity and tannins, then flavours of red berries and soils, spice and a lick of wood smoke. Well made with best drinking from day of purchase through 2029."