2021 Tahbilk Shiraz, Nagambie Lakes

Shiraz shines in 2021 with a clean, pure, natural fruit drive that is quite stunning – and delicious. Brings great varietal definition to the glass in heady scents of violet florals, earth, ripe black fruits, plum, aniseed and sweet spices. A fine line of tannin guides the palate, finishing with style and grace. Drink to 2029.

94 points Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion (Special Value), August 2024

Tahbilk is Victoria's oldest family-owned winery, with vineyards to 1860 farmed since 1925 by the Purbrick family. Fifth generation Hayley Purbrick continues that work today with General Manager Joanne Nash.

Located within Nagambie Lakes wine region, the 300ha estate vineyards are planted in iron oxide rich soils and surrounded by the Tabilk-Tabilk wetlands. These are an integral part of the estate and believed to have a significant moderating effect to the warmth of the surrounding Goulburn Valley.

The 2021 vintage was a favourable one for Victoria for white and red varieties alike. This Shiraz was fermented in Tahbilk’s original 150+ year old open vats and matured largely in well-seasoned large oak vessels that preserve fruit character without adding oak influence. A small portion was matured in a mixture of French and American barriques and blended back with the rest ahead of filtering and bottling.

This wine jumps with pure varietal aromas of violets, black fruits and spice. The palate is harmonious, displaying clean, ripe fruit and good length, carried by fine tannins.

Drinking well now with earthy and charred flavours: barbecued mushrooms and lentils, pot braised eggplant with aged doubanjiang or grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary and garlic.