2022 Oliver’s Taranga HJ Reserve Shiraz, McLaren Vale

Hand picked from '48 vines, lightly crushed and fermented with native yeasts; raised in French hogsheads, 35% new. There are clear refinements in making, but those old vines speak in their deep baritone, the making respectful to the voice. Stewed dark plums, black cherries and berries, deeply ripe raspberry, Dutch cocoa, allspice, clove, fine threads of vanilla, roasted coffee bean and anise. It’s rich and silky, with a sophisticated tannic draw, the finish impressively long. Drink to 2037.

95 points Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, May 2025

Deeply perfumed aromas of blackberry compote, cured meat, blood plums, dried herbs and rose petals. The full-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, leading into a generous mouthfeel. Savory yet bright and fresh. Drink or hold.

93 points James Suckling, March 2025

The HJ Shiraz is dedicated to fourth generation Herbert HJ Oliver, a lover and a fighter who fought to win the affections of his sweetheart Marjorie, before serving in WWII and later fought to realise his vision of Taranga only producing premium grapes, planting the ‘Old Block’ Shiraz-vineyard in 1948. Those vines form the base of this wine, the 21st release under the HJ label.

McLaren Vale enjoyed a long, cool season in 2022 with grapes harvested at perfect maturity, making this a good candidate for extended cellaring.

About this producer

Oliver’s Taranga is a 100-hectare family-owned property in McLaren Vale that is today run by sixth-generation cousins Corinna Wright, Brini Oliver and Sam Oliver.

Corinna is the first winemaker in the family and has been producing wines under this label since 1994. She is a champion of female representation in the wine industry as well as for experimentation with alternative grape varieties while holding tight to her family’s long held ideals of passion, integrity and continuous improvement.