2021 Hay Shed Hill Shiraz Tempranillo, Margaret River

Youthful and inky red in appearance. Lifted aromas of violets, plum, mulberry, spice, dried herbs and boysenberry swirl. Juicy, mouth-filling and generously flavoured. There's plenty to like here, all dark, fleshy, brooding fruits along with shapely tannin and acidity that brings cut and snap to the long finish. Smart gear. Drink 2024 to 2034.

91 points Aaron Brasher for The Real Review, July 2024

This fragrant red has notes of mixed peppercorns, Sichuan peppers, cherries, violets and spice box. Spicy and peppery on the medium- to full-bodied palate with ripe and sleek tannins. Vegan. Drink now or hold. 

91 points Claire Nesbitt for James Suckling, February 2025

Take this to a mate’s barbecue and you’ll be very popular. It’s approachable yet has a bit of oomph thanks to the ripe tannins. Lots of dark fruits, all sweet plums and raspberries and laden with woodsy spices plus tempranillo’s distinct cola/sarsaparilla flavours. At this price, take a couple to your mate’s place. Drink to 2026.

89 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2024

The Hay Shed Hill vineyard sits in the heart of the Willyabrup subregion on a property with origins as a dairy farm. The vineyard sits just five kilometres from the Indian Ocean, with a pronounced afternoon sea breeze moderating the climate well beyond what the latitude would suggest. Vines were first planted here in the early 1970s. These are predominantly dry grown across the hilly terrain, with each aspect matched to the variety it suits best. Winemaker Michael Kerrigan has led the estate since 2006 with a clear focus on wines that reflect the quality of the site.

This blend is predominantly Shiraz, with Tempranillo making up the balance, the two varieties fermented separately before being brought together after fifteen months in mostly well-seasoned French oak that was used to refine rather than define the wine.

In the glass it's a deep, vibrant red. Violets and black pepper lead the nose, with dark plum and a thread of liquorice from the Tempranillo adding savoury depth. The palate is generous and fleshy, ripe dark fruit with a peppery edge, and that characteristic Tempranillo structure giving the finish a pleasing grip and complexity.

Open it tonight. It’s the kind of wine that does well with something off the grill — spiced lamb cutlets or a Korean BBQ spread. The peppery Shiraz note and the Tempranillo's savoury edge make good company for anything with a bit of char and spice to it.