2021 De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz, Hunter Valley

Excellent bright crimson-purple colour heralds a most attractive wine from the estate-owned Steven vineyard. Red cherry is the cornerstone of the bouquet and palate alike. Typical Hunter shiraz, only medium bodied, but with decades to run for those able to keep their hands off it.

96 points, Special Value James Halliday  Wine Companion

De Iuliis is one of the Hunter Valley's most respected family wineries, built on a reputation for precision, consistency and an unwavering commitment to vineyard quality. The De Iuliis family has grown grapes in the region for generations, while winemaker Mike De Iuliis has earned widespread acclaim for crafting wines that capture the unique personality of the Hunter. The Steven Vineyard range represents the pinnacle of the estate's red wine portfolio, sourced from exceptional parcels that showcase the region at its best.

The Steven Vineyard Shiraz comes from a carefully selected site where mature vines and meticulous viticulture deliver fruit of outstanding concentration and balance. The 2021 vintage is considered one of the strongest Hunter Valley years in recent memory, producing wines with remarkable purity, structure and ageing potential. Careful oak maturation enhances texture and complexity while preserving the vineyard's distinctive character.

Deep crimson purple in colour, the bouquet is layered with aromas of blackberry, dark plum and black cherry, intertwined with notes of cracked pepper, licorice and spice. As the wine opens, hints of smoked meats, cedar and earthy complexity emerge, reflecting both site and variety. The palate is powerful yet refined, delivering concentrated dark fruit flavours framed by fine tannins and vibrant acidity. A savoury thread runs throughout, adding depth and regional character, while the finish is long, polished and beautifully persistent.

This is a superb partner for slow roasted lamb shoulder, chargrilled ribeye, beef cheeks, venison or a rich mushroom and black olive ragù. While already impressive with a decant, the structure and balance suggest a long future ahead, with the wine set to reward patient cellaring over the next fifteen years and beyond.