2021 Mount Pleasant 1880 Vines Old Hill Vineyard Shiraz 750ml

Founded in 1921 by the legendary Maurice O’Shea, whose contribution to Australian wine cannot be understated. Widely recognised for setting the standard for modern Australian winemaking, his ‘fanatical perfectionism’ saw him create Mount Pleasant’s signature style of elegance, balance and exceptional longevity. For 100 years, Mount Pleasant has produced iconic, elegant and expressive wines championing the fruit and individual character of our four vineyard sites. The rare ancestral vines include some of the oldest clone plantings in the country. This makes the Old Hill vineyard, while best known for Shiraz, the oldest Pinot Noir vineyard in Australia.

Handpicked in three passes through the vineyard, only selecting the perfect bunches on each run.  The fruit was destemmed to small open fermenters for a brief cold soaking period where intense colour was gained immediately. Fermented at 18-25 ˚C for approximately 9 days. Gently pressed to large format French oak barrels (~20% new) for almost 12 months maturation, before blending and bottling.

From 141 year old vines. So clean, such a pure expression of Hunter Shiraz. Boysenberry, raspberry, perfume of aniseed and roses, a discreet sweet soil earthiness. It’s medium-bodied, gentle but tightly packed tannin, fresh feel, expressive and bursting with just-ripe berry flavour, and a super long finish that shows some iron and subtly earthy, and classic, Hunter red fruit. Wonderful. So very good. What a superb wine! Tasted: June 2022; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $140; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2025-2042; Rated: 97 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front