2019 De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz, Hunter Valley

Sourced from a vineyard dating from 1968. A renowned site. Pulpy. Juicy. Sloshy and easy to drink. Best enjoyed cool. Already more than approachable. Reductive aromas of iodine, lilac and blueberry. Lifted. A bit sweet and soft. Easy to like as a plume of clove-doused peppery acidity layers the mouth, imparting some verve. I would like a bit more grip.

91 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz is one of the Hunter Valley’s quietly serious reds, built on site, restraint and a deep understanding of what Hunter Shiraz does best. The Steven Vineyard sits in the heart of the Hunter, planted on classic alluvial soils with patches of sand and clay that naturally limit vigour and encourage flavour at moderate alcohol. Warm days are balanced by cooling afternoon breezes and humidity that shapes the region’s unmistakable savoury style. This is not about size, it is about character and longevity.

De Iuliis Wines is led by Mike De Iuliis, a winemaker widely respected for precision, cleanliness and an almost Burgundian sensitivity to vineyard expression. The Steven Vineyard is treated as a standalone site because it consistently delivers fruit with balance, spice and structure. Winemaking is deliberately understated. Gentle extraction, careful ferment management and measured oak allow the vineyard to speak clearly, producing a Shiraz that feels confident rather than showy.

In the glass, the wine is medium to deep ruby with lifted, complex aromatics. Red and black cherry, plum and mulberry sit alongside cracked pepper, clove and subtle floral notes. With air, classic Hunter characters emerge, dried herbs, earth and a faint smoky nuance that adds depth without heaviness.

On the palate, De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz is medium bodied, savoury and finely structured. Dark and red fruit flavours flow through a supple mid palate, supported by bright acidity and fine, sandy tannins that give the wine shape and length. There is a natural tension here that keeps everything fresh and food friendly, finishing long and dry with spice, earth and gentle fruit persistence.

This is a Shiraz made for the table and for patience. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, pork, grilled meats, mushrooms or slow cooked dishes where savoury flavours shine. While approachable now with a little air, it will cellar confidently over ten to fifteen years, developing classic Hunter notes of leather, earth and spice while retaining its core freshness.

De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz is elegant, expressive and unmistakably Hunter Valley. A refined, site driven Shiraz that rewards attention and proves why the Hunter remains one of Australia’s great Shiraz regions.