2018 De Iuliis Limited Release Shiraz, Hunter Valley

Smoked tobacco and general wood smoke characters flash through cherry-plum and redcurrant-like fruit. Sweet spice and earth notes play roles, too, as does fine-grained, toasty tannin. Not a big wine but intricately well crafted and finished.

95 points Campbell Mattinson winecompanion.com.au

Deep and vibrant ruby red colour. Mulberry, ground coffee and rose petal aromatics. Medium weight with an elegance and refinement to the flow that commands your focus. Mulberry, anise and cardamom all linger throughout whilst the tannins are harmonious and integrated superbly, ensuring great length and drive. A classic Hunter shiraz.

95 points Stuart Knox therealreview.com

From the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley comes a Shiraz that reflects both regional character and meticulous small batch winemaking. De Iuliis Wines was founded by the De Iuliis family in Pokolbin, with winemaker Mike De Iuliis building a reputation for precise, site driven Hunter wines. The Limited Release Shiraz is crafted from carefully selected parcels of low yielding vines across the valley, where ancient sandy and alluvial soils, warm days and cool nights help produce Shiraz with savoury complexity and elegant structure rather than sheer power.

Deep crimson with purple edges, the aromatics are lifted and layered. Blackberry, dark plum and red cherry unfold alongside cracked black pepper, dried herbs and subtle spice. There is a distinctive earthy nuance and gentle savoury character that reflect the Hunter Valley’s classic Shiraz style.

On the palate it is medium to full bodied and beautifully structured. Dark berry fruit sits at the centre, supported by fine grained tannins and balanced natural acidity that provide both freshness and length. Notes of liquorice, cocoa and subtle oak build through the mid palate, leading to a long, savoury finish with lingering spice and dark fruit. It captures the regional hallmark of Hunter Valley Shiraz, combining richness with finesse and age worthy structure.

Pair with grilled lamb cutlets, roast duck, slow braised beef or mushroom and thyme dishes. While expressive now with careful decanting, this Limited Release Shiraz will cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, developing deeper notes of leather, spice and earthy complexit

Trophy | Best Shiraz | 2019 Small Winemakers Show

Trophy | Best Red Wine of Show| 2019 Small Winemakers Show

Gold Medal | 2019 NSW Wine Awards