2022 Sidewood Estate Shiraz, Adelaide Hills

Fashioned from 12 different estate-grown clones, fermented in small batches (for those clones) partial wild yeast and extended maceration, matured for 18 months in French oak (30% new), ultimately a barrel selection. Black cherries are at the centre of this beautifully poised wine. It's a first-class wine at an incredibly low price.

96 points Special Value James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, February 2024

Very deep, saturated purple colour; bold and fresh looking, and the nose backs this up with intense spices with star anise, clove and pepper to the fore, with the merest suggestion of eucalyptus. The palate is bright, intense and focused, with modulated fine but firm tannins, beautifully balanced and drinking really well already. A seriously elegant, spicy, cool-climate/cool season shiraz. Great value. Drink 2023–2037.

93 points The Real Review Huon Hooke, November 2023

94 points Wine Pilot Tony Love

94 points Wine Orbit Sam Kim

93 points at the 2024 National Cool Climate Wine Show

Gold at the 2024 Mundus Vini Germany

The Sidewood Estate Shraz is a vibrant, cool-climate expression of this classic variety, offering a beautifully poised balance of fruit intensity, spice and finesse. Grown in the elevated vineyards around Hahndorf, this Shiraz reflects the cooler conditions of the Hills, resulting in a wine that is more elegant and aromatic than many of its South Australian counterparts. Winemaking focuses on purity and precision. The fruit is hand-picked and fermented in small batches with a portion of whole berries to enhance aromatic lift and texture. The wine is matured in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques, adding depth and savoury complexity without overwhelming the bright fruit profile.

It pairs beautifully for example with slow-roasted lamb, duck breast with cherry glaze or grilled eggplant with miso. Drinks well now but has the structure to age gracefully for 8 to 10 years.