2015 Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vines Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Museum release. This is selected from Andrew (Ox) Hardy’s favourite rows of the oldest vines on the family vineyard, which also happen to be the second oldest, by a whisker, in the Vale. Fermented in open vats, this was plunged thrice daily, before nearly two years in older French barriques. Whether from the older vines, or those more youthful, the Upper Tintara vineyard shines through. Released with a decade under its belt, this is in a fine place, with tertiary notes knitting into and enhancing the ferrous site signature. Black fruits, blueberries and plums, ground pepper, anise and caraway, pressed violets. It feels so of place, unhurried in elaboration and naturally given the chance to relax.

96 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

From the heart of McLaren Vale’s old vine country comes a Shiraz that honours one of Australia’s most influential wine families. The Hardy name has been part of South Australian wine history since 1853, and Ox Hardy represents the sixth generation of that lineage. The 1891 Ancestor Vines Shiraz pays tribute to the family’s deep viticultural roots, sourcing fruit from mature, low yielding vineyards in McLaren Vale where red brown earth over clay and a Mediterranean climate shape wines of richness and structure. Cooling breezes from Gulf St Vincent temper the warmth, preserving balance and aromatic lift.

In the glass the colour is deep crimson with dense purple hues. The nose is layered and expressive, offering blackberry, dark plum and mulberry alongside dark chocolate, clove and subtle cedar. There is a savoury edge of dried herbs and earth that speaks clearly of McLaren Vale’s regional identity.

On the palate it is full bodied yet beautifully controlled. Concentrated dark fruit forms the core, supported by firm, finely grained tannins and balanced acidity that give both power and poise. Notes of cocoa, black pepper and integrated oak build through the mid palate, leading to a long, structured finish marked by depth and spice. It captures the bold character of McLaren Vale Shiraz while maintaining refinement.

Pair with grilled ribeye, slow braised lamb shoulder, smoky barbecue dishes or aged cheddar. While impressive in its youth with careful decanting, this Ancestor Vines Shiraz will cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, developing further savoury complexity and seamless integration.