2022 Mount Pleasant Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz, Hunter Valley

In every sip of this glorious wine, one can see the rich history of the iconic Hunter vineyards Old Paddock and Old Hill. The intensity of its character sets this wine apart from others, as does the crescendo of flavour that steadily builds right to the finish. Alongside the rich fruit is a gorgeous savoury seam, including a little nutty oak, which hooks and holds one's interest. The melange of plum, including blood and satsuma, is accented by star anise and licorice notes. It is a powerful, assertive, stunning wine with mesmerising length that gets better the longer it is open.

97 points Toni Paterson MW winecompanion.com.au July 2024

 A strongly regional nose of fecund earth, terra-cotta, blood plum and a sluice of licorice strap, with a peppery streak at the tail. Yet there is nothing heavy about this at all, as is the wont at this address. An older iteration was among the finest domestic wines ever drunk. This, similarly mid-weighted and uber savory. Sure, there is more blue to dark fruited grunt than the Rosehill sibling, yet the end result is one of thrilling intensity. A tightly bound tannic sheath, juxtaposed against a welcome levity.

95 points jamessuckling.com Jun 2023

Concentrated aromas, raspberry coulis sweet core but with electric iron thread and acidity running on the sides, a bag of dried mushrooms moving into lightly toasted hazelnuts. Mouthfeel is of a juicy steak chew, with a bit of freshly ground coffee, slate-like minerality and fibrous tannin. Dried peppermint aftertaste with more steely sensation, plus black pepper spice on the gums.

94 points Kasia Sobiesiak winefront.com.au

Sourced exclusively from the Mount Pleasant Old Paddock and Old Hill vineyards.  This shiraz blend has been made since the mid-1960s, a true classic of the Hunter Valley using vines dating back to 1880.  A structural and powerful rendition of the Hunter Valley’s most revered variety. 

An intense nose of red and dark fruits coupled with licorice and spice.  A lovely savory palate, rich in dark fruits with beautifully balanced tannins and natural acidity. Balanced and approachable now, this wine will continue to mature for over 25 years.