2022 Audrey Wilkinson Winemaker’s Selection Shiraz, Hunter Valley

Audrey Wilkinson, established in 1866, is a cornerstone of Hunter Valley winemaking and one of Australia’s most picturesque estates. Named after the pioneering vigneron who planted vines on the Brokenback Mountain foothills, the property’s elevated vineyards enjoy cooling breezes, abundant sunshine, and a mix of volcanic and sandy loam soils. These conditions are ideal for producing Shiraz with the supple texture, lifted aromatics, and savoury complexity that have made the Hunter Valley style famous. The Winemaker’s Selection range highlights premium parcels of fruit chosen for their depth and balance, with meticulous small-batch vinification and oak maturation to capture the essence of place.

The Audrey Wilkinson Winemaker’s Selection Shiraz pours deep crimson with a purple rim, offering aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and cherry intertwined with hints of violet, black pepper, and subtle earthy spice. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, showing juicy dark berry fruit supported by fine, velvety tannins and a bright acid line. French oak maturation adds layers of cedar, clove, and a gentle cocoa note, contributing complexity without overwhelming the purity of the fruit. True to the Hunter Valley style, it is elegant rather than heavy, with a long, savoury finish.

This Shiraz is an excellent match for roast lamb with rosemary, venison with juniper, chargrilled kangaroo, or roasted field mushrooms with thyme. While beautifully approachable now for its plush fruit and spice, it will reward careful cellaring for 8 to 10 years, developing greater savoury depth and softening into a seamless, harmonious wine.